Aircraft crash near San Carlos de Bariloche

52 fatalities • San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina • Landing (descent or approach)

A flight carrying 52 passengers and crew crashed into Mount Lopez during an approach to San Carlos de Bariloche Airport, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

A flight originating from El Palomar Airbase in Buenos Aires was en route to San Carlos de Bariloche when the accident occurred. The aircraft was transporting 47 members of the military along with their families, as well as two passengers from Uruguay. During the approach to San Carlos de Bariloche Airport, which was being conducted under marginal weather conditions, the plane impacted the slope of Mt Lopez. This impact took place approximately 34 km west of the threshold for runway 11. Search teams located the wreckage a few hours after the event. There were 52 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.

Findings

Investigations into the crash suggest that the accident was a result of controlled flight into terrain. The crew reportedly began their descent before receiving adequate ground assistance. Additionally, it is suspected that the crew may have been unaware of local wind intensities, which likely pushed the aircraft away from its intended approach trajectory.

Probable cause

The crew initiated a premature descent without sufficient ground support and failed to account for wind conditions that drifted the plane off course.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1975-03-16 Fokker F27 Friendship accident near San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina?

A flight carrying 52 passengers and crew crashed into Mount Lopez during an approach to San Carlos de Bariloche Airport, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1975-03-16 Fokker F27 Friendship accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 52 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1975-03-16 involved a Fokker F27 Friendship, registration TC-72, operated by Líneas Aéreas del Estado - LADE, at San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew initiated a premature descent without sufficient ground support and failed to account for wind conditions that drifted the plane off course.

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