10 fatalities

Fatal aircraft collision with terrain near Quito (FAE743)

Quito, EcuadorLanding (descent or approach)

On April 29, 1982, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration FAE743) operated by Ecuadorian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Ecuatoriana was involved in an aviation accident near Quito, Ecuador during landing or approach. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck terrain while operating in a holding pattern following a go-around maneuver. 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 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside during a go-around maneuver while approaching Quito-Mariscal Sucre Airport, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During an approach to Quito-Mariscal Sucre Airport, the flight crew determined it was necessary to abort the landing attempt and execute a go-around. While the aircraft was performing a holding pattern following the decision to climb away from the runway, it impacted the side of a mountain. The collision occurred at a distance of approximately 15 km from the airport.

There were 10 fatalities among the occupants on board the four-engine airplane. No survivors were reported from the wreckage.

Findings

  • The aircraft was in a holding pattern following an aborted approach.
  • The impact occurred on a mountain slope during the descent/holding phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck terrain while operating in a holding pattern following a go-around maneuver.