Crash of a Douglas C-47 in Cuzco: 22 killed
Date & Time:
Feb 24, 1949 at 0800 LT
Operator:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Cuzco – Lima
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
22
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
22
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff, while in initial climb, the crew informed ground that the left engine caught fire and elected to return for an emergency landing. The aircraft stalled and crashed in flames near the airport. Two crew members and twenty passengers were killed while four other occupants were injured. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire.
Probable cause:
It appears that the tire on the left main gear burst after takeoff and set fire to the undercarriage compartment and then to the engine and its nacelle after the gear were raised.
