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3 fatalities

Fatal Nighttime ILS Approach Accident in Argentina (LV-WPO)

Córdoba-Ambrosio Taravella (Pajas Blancas), ArgentinaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 16, 1998, a Rockwell Sabreliner 60 (registration LV-WPO) operated by Alas del Sur was involved in an aviation accident near Córdoba-Ambrosio Taravella (Pajas Blancas), Argentina during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: By night and IMC conditions, the crew was unable to intercept the ILS for runway 18 and continued the descent below MDA until impact with the ground. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo aircraft crashed in an open field 11.4 km short of runway 18 in Córdoba, Argentina, killing all three occupants during a night ILS approach in IMC conditions.

Incident Overview and Flight Details The aircraft was operating a cargo service from Salta to Córdoba, with an intermediate stop in San Miguel de Tucumán. The flight carried one passenger and two pilots. ## Approach and Crash Sequence En route to Córdoba, the crew received clearance to descend to 8,000 feet and was subsequently cleared for an ILS approach to runway 18. Under nighttime and instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the aircraft descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) and impacted the ground in an open field located 11.4 km short of the runway. ## Damage and Casualties The aircraft was destroyed in the crash. All three occupants on board—two pilots and one passenger—were killed.

Probable cause

By night and IMC conditions, the crew was unable to intercept the ILS for runway 18 and continued the descent below MDA until impact with the ground.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jul 1998 Rockwell Sabreliner 60 accident near Córdoba-Ambrosio Taravella (Pajas Blancas), Argentina?

A cargo aircraft crashed in an open field 11.4 km short of runway 18 in Córdoba, Argentina, killing all three occupants during a night ILS approach in IMC conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Jul 1998 Rockwell Sabreliner 60 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jul 1998 involved a Rockwell Sabreliner 60, registration LV-WPO, operated by Alas del Sur, at Córdoba-Ambrosio Taravella (Pajas Blancas), Argentina.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

By night and IMC conditions, the crew was unable to intercept the ILS for runway 18 and continued the descent below MDA until impact with the ground.

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