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6 fatalities

Twin-Engine Airplane Collides with Slope Near La Rioja, Six Occupants Killed (LV-MEV)

Los Mogotes Colorados, ArgentinaFlight

On March 4, 1981, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration LV-MEV) operated by Líneas Aéreas Riojanas was involved in an aviation accident near Los Mogotes Colorados, Argentina in flight. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, it is believed that it was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane on a flight from La Rioja to Chilecito struck a mountain in marginal weather with low clouds, killing all six occupants. The aircraft was destroyed; investigators could not determine the exact cause but believed it was a controlled flight into terrain.

Accident Details

On the day of the accident, a twin-engine airplane departed La Rioja-Capitán Vicente Almandos Almonacid Airport in the early morning for a flight to Chilecito. After passing Patquía, the crew encountered marginal weather conditions characterized by low clouds. The airplane then struck the slope of a mountain and crashed in Los Mogotes Colorados, approximately 75 kilometers southwest of La Rioja. The aircraft was totally destroyed.

Occupants

The airplane carried six occupants, all of whom were killed. The crew consisted of pilot Daniel del Punta and copilot Santiago O'Brien. The passengers were Federico Coria Peñaloza, Jacinto Robles, Raúl Haise, and Augusto Cesar Gordillo.

Investigation

An investigation was conducted into the accident. The official findings stated: "The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, it is believed that it was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain."

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, it is believed that it was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Mar 1981 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Los Mogotes Colorados, Argentina?

A twin-engine airplane on a flight from La Rioja to Chilecito struck a mountain in marginal weather with low clouds, killing all six occupants. The aircraft was destroyed; investigators could not determine the exact cause but believed it was a controlled flight into terrain.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Mar 1981 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Mar 1981 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration LV-MEV, operated by Líneas Aéreas Riojanas, at Los Mogotes Colorados, Argentina.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, it is believed that it was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain.

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