On February 28, 1990, a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne (registration OB-1176) operated by Aero San Martín was involved in an aviation accident near Tocache, Peru during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An explosion occurred during the aircraft's climb phase immediately after takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine aircraft crashed and caught fire shortly after takeoff from Tocache Airport, resulting in two fatalities.
What happened
On the date of the incident, a twin-engine aircraft departed from Tocache Airport. During the initial climb phase following departure, the aircraft experienced a mid-air explosion. This structural failure caused the plane to descend rapidly and impact the ground, where the wreckage subsequently ignited into a large fire.
Findings
The aircraft was in a climbing phase at the time of the accident.
The impact was followed by an immediate post-crash fire.
There were two fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.
The primary factor in the destruction of the aircraft was an explosion occurring during the climb.
Probable cause
An explosion occurred during the aircraft's climb phase immediately after takeoff.