No fatalities

1969-07-16: Lockheed C-130 Hercules (CF-PWO) — Pacific Western Airlines - PWA — Cayaya, Peru

Cayaya, PeruLanding (descent or approach)

On July 16, 1969, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration CF-PWO) operated by Pacific Western Airlines - PWA was involved in an aviation accident near Cayaya, Peru during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Error on the part of the pilot in deciding to land in adverse weather conditions. The lack of assistance from ATC personnel at the airport was considered as a contributing factor. 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 1781237363Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered CF-PWO
Aircraft registered CF-PWO. Photo: Daniel Tanner / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An airplane was destroyed after its right wing struck the ground on short final during a landing attempt at Cayaya Airport in heavy rain and limited visibility. All four crew members escaped uninjured.

Incident Overview

During the approach to Cayaya Airport, the airplane encountered heavy rainfall and limited visibility. The pilot continued the approach and initiated a landing. On short final, the aircraft descended too low, causing the right wing to strike the ground. The wing was torn off, and the airplane went out of control, crashing onto the runway before coming to rest.

Sequence of Events

The approach was conducted in adverse weather conditions, with heavy rain reducing visibility. As the airplane reached short final, it was too low relative to the runway. The right wing contacted the ground and separated from the airframe. Subsequently, the airplane became uncontrollable and impacted the runway surface, where it came to a stop. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact forces.

Crew and Damage

All four crew members aboard the airplane escaped the accident without injury. The aircraft sustained catastrophic damage and was declared destroyed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be error on the part of the pilot in deciding to land in adverse weather conditions. The lack of assistance from ATC personnel at the airport was considered as a contributing factor.