6 fatalities

2006-03-09: Learjet 35 (T-21) — Argentinian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Argentina — La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz, BoliviaTakeoff (climb)

On March 9, 2006, a Learjet 35 (registration T-21) operated by Argentinian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Argentina was involved in an aviation accident near La Paz, Bolivia during takeoff. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Small maintenance performed by technicians prior to departure and a mechanical failure that may have occurred after rotation. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781199020Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft returning from a humanitarian aid mission in Bolivia crashed shortly after takeoff from La Paz-El Alto Airport, killing all six occupants. The probable cause involves maintenance performed before departure and a subsequent mechanical failure.

Incident

An aircraft crashed in an open field approximately 20 kilometers from La Paz-El Alto Airport shortly after takeoff. The flight was part of a humanitarian aid mission following severe flooding in Bolivia. The aircraft had delivered aid in La Paz and was returning to Paraná, Argentina, with an intermediate stop planned in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

On board were three military personnel and three technicians. Shortly after departure, during the initial climb, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and impacted terrain. All six occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

According to official findings, the probable cause of the accident was small maintenance performed by the technicians on the aircraft prior to departure, combined with a mechanical failure that may have occurred after rotation.