3 fatalities

1955-06-16: Lockheed 14 Super Electra (OB-QAG-338) — Transportes Aéreos Peruanas - TAPSA — Tarapoto, Peru

Tarapoto, PeruTakeoff (climb)

On June 16, 1955, a Lockheed 14 Super Electra (registration OB-QAG-338) operated by Transportes Aéreos Peruanas - TAPSA was involved in an aviation accident near Tarapoto, Peru during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cargo shifted shortly after rotation, causing the center of gravity to move forward and the aircraft to nose up. In such conditions, the crew was unable to maintain an adequate control of the airplane that crashed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781251065Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft stalled and crashed shortly after liftoff due to a forward center of gravity shift from cargo movement, killing all three crew members.

Accident Summary

The accident sequence began just after liftoff. While the aircraft was in its initial climb, it unexpectedly nosed up. This pitch-up led to an aerodynamic stall, causing the aircraft to lose altitude and crash. All three crew members aboard sustained fatal injuries.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a shift in cargo shortly after rotation. The cargo movement resulted in a forward displacement of the center of gravity. This forward CG caused the aircraft to pitch nose-up uncontrollably. According to the official findings, the sequence of events was initiated when the cargo shifted shortly after rotation. This alteration in load distribution moved the center of gravity forward of its permissible limits. Consequently, the aircraft pitched upward, exceeding the critical angle of attack and entering a stall. Despite crew inputs, control could not be regained, and the aircraft crashed. In the ensuing conditions, the flight crew could not maintain sufficient control of the airplane, leading to the crash.