No fatalities

Aircraft excursion during takeoff roll (CP-2321)

Trinidad, BoliviaTakeoff (climb)

On December 31, 1997, a Swearingen SA227 Metro III (registration CP-2321) operated by Aerosur was involved in an aviation accident near Trinidad, Bolivia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew lost directional control of the aircraft during the takeoff roll, causing it to veer off the runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft veered off the runway during its takeoff roll, resulting in structural damage but no injuries to those on board.

What happened

During the initial stages of a takeoff roll, the flight crew experienced a loss of directional control. As the aircraft type moved down the runway, it veered off the paved surface. The excursion caused the aircraft to lose its undercarriage during the event. The movement eventually ceased when the plane came to a complete stop.

There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries reported following the incident. All 20 occupants on board successfully evacuated the aircraft without sustaining any harm. Although everyone escaped safely, the impact of the excursion resulted in the aircraft being declared a total loss.

Findings

  • The aircraft departed the runway during the takeoff phase.
  • Loss of control was the primary factor leading to the excursion.

Probable cause

The crew lost directional control of the aircraft during the takeoff roll, causing it to veer off the runway.