Aircraft crash near Cuzco-Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport

101 fatalities • Cuzco-Alejandro Velasco Astete, Peru • Takeoff (climb)

A flight departing from Cuzco for Lima crashed into a hillside following an engine failure during the takeoff phase, resulting in 101 fatalities.

What happened

A flight bound for Lima departed from Cuzco-Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport carrying 91 passengers and a crew of nine. During the takeoff roll, which was noted to be 700 meters longer than standard procedures, the third engine experienced a failure. Despite this loss of power, the flight crew proceeded with the takeoff and initial climb at a speed of V2 + 15 knots.

Upon reaching an altitude of 300 feet, the crew retracted the flaps. While maintaining a speed of 140 knots, the aircraft initiated a left turn and entered a bank angle between 30° and 45°. During this maneuver, the crew lost control of the aircraft type, which subsequently struck a hill situated approximately 4 km east of the airport.

The accident resulted in 101 fatalities among the occupants, with only the copilot surviving. Additionally, two people on the ground were killed in the crash.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified that the primary cause was the improper execution of engine-out procedures by the flight crew. Further contributing factors included incorrect loading of the aircraft and failures in maintenance procedures performed by company personnel.

Probable cause

The flight crew failed to correctly follow established procedures for managing an engine failure during takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1970-08-09 Lockheed L-188 Electra accident near Cuzco-Alejandro Velasco Astete, Peru?

A flight departing from Cuzco for Lima crashed into a hillside following an engine failure during the takeoff phase, resulting in 101 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1970-08-09 Lockheed L-188 Electra accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 101 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1970-08-09 involved a Lockheed L-188 Electra, registration OB-R-939, operated by LANSA Peru - Lineas Aéreas Nacionales del Peru, at Cuzco-Alejandro Velasco Astete, Peru.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight crew failed to correctly follow established procedures for managing an engine failure during takeoff.

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