Aircraft overrun and collision on Costanera Avenue near La Paz

24 fatalities • La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia • Landing (descent or approach)

A four-engine aircraft overran the runway at La Paz-El Alto, resulting in a massive collision with vehicles on a nearby roadway.

What happened

A four-engine aircraft departed from Santa Cruz-Viru Viru Airport, destined for La Paz, transporting a cargo of new banknotes along with eight crew members. During the arrival at La Paz-El Alto, the flight was operating under marginal weather conditions. Upon touchdown on runway 28, the aircraft type was unable to decelerate sufficiently before the end of the paved surface. The plane exited the runway and entered the Costanera Avenue, where it struck multiple cars and trucks.

The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. Regarding the occupants of the plane, there was one fatality and seven injuries. The collision on the ground was even more devastating, involving several vehicles. The crash led to 23 fatalities and 37 injuries among the people in the vehicles, with several of the ground victims sustaining serious injuries.

Findings

  • The aircraft was unable to stop within the available runway length.
  • Marginal weather conditions were present during the approach and landing phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to stop within the runway limits during landing in marginal weather, leading to a high-speed collision with vehicles on a public roadway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2026-02-27 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia?

A four-engine aircraft overran the runway at La Paz-El Alto, resulting in a massive collision with vehicles on a nearby roadway.

Were there any fatalities in the 2026-02-27 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 24 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2026-02-27 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration FAB-81, operated by Bolivian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Boliviana, at La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft failed to stop within the runway limits during landing in marginal weather, leading to a high-speed collision with vehicles on a public roadway.

Loading the flight search…