Shell Mera-Río Amazonas | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

Shortly after takeoff from Moretecocha Airfield, while climbing in poor weather conditions, the single engine airplane impacted trees and crashed in a river bed. All seven occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter 300 near Santa Clara: 6 killed

Date & Time: Jan 20, 2011 at 1545 LT

Type of aircraft:

De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter

Operator:

Registration:

FAE449

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Military

Survivors:

Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

Shell – Tena

MSN:

834

YOM:

1986

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Circumstances:

The crew departed Shell Mera-Río Amazonas Airport at 1530LT on a flight to Tena on behalf of the ECORAE's Institute, a government supply and support program for isolated population in the center of Ecuador. Fifteen minutes after takeoff, the twin engine aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances near Santa Clara, about 30 km northeast of Shell Airport. A crew survived while five other occupants were killed. The only survivor died few hours later.

Crash of an IAI Arava 202 near Macas: 2 killed

Date & Time: Mar 25, 1991

Type of aircraft:

IAI Arava 201

Operator:

Registration:

AEE-205

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Shell Mera - Macas

MSN:

YOM:

1973

Location:

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En route to Macas, the crew was cleared to climb from 5,500 to 7,500 feet when the twin engine aircraft stuck the slope of a mountain. Two crew were killed while a third occupant was injured.

Crash of a Nord 2501D Noratlas near Shell Mera: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jul 24, 1980

Type of aircraft:

Nord 2501 Noratlas

Operator:

Registration:

HC-AXK

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

MSN:

137

YOM:

1957

Location:

Shell Mera-Río Amazonas

Pastaza

Country:

Ecuador

Region:

South America

Crew on board:

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Circumstances:

Crashed in unknown circumstances while approaching Shell Mera-Río Amazonas Airport. Both pilots were killed.

Crash of a Douglas C-47 near Baños de Agua Santa: 20 killed

Date & Time: May 2, 1974 at 1930 LT

Type of aircraft:

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

Operator:

Registration:

HC-AUC

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Mountains

Schedule:

Shell Mera – Ambato

Location:

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Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

17 minutes after its takeoff from Shell Mera-Río Amazonas Airport, while flying by night at an altitude of 11,500 feet, the airplane struck the slope of a mountain with its left wing that was partially torn off. Out of control, the airplane crashed near Baños de Agua Santa. The wreckage was found the following morning and five injured people were evacuated while 20 other occupants were killed, among them two crew members.

Probable cause:

Investigations were able to determine that the following factors contributed to the accident:
- Failure of the crew to adhere to the minima safe altitude fixed at 12,500 feet,
- Failure of the crew to follow the 275° heading from Rio Negro to Baños de Agua Santa,
- Overconfidence on part of the pilot-in-command,
- Possible distraction of the flight crew due to the presence of a tourist guide in the cockpit.