August 09

On August 9, 1970, LANSA Flight 502 departed from Cusco's Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft lost control and crashed near the airport perimeter. Of the 100 passengers and crew on board, 99 lost their lives in the impact and ensuing fire. Two people on the ground were also killed when the wreckage struck a nearby area. Peruvian aviation authorities launched an investigation into the crash, examining airline maintenance and pilot procedures. The disaster remains one of the deadliest in Peru's aviation history and prompted calls for stricter safety regulations.

Aviateca Flight 901 departed La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, bound for San Salvador. During its approach, navigational errors and dense clouds obscured the volcanic slopes of San Vicente. The aircraft collided with the volcano minutes before reaching the runway. All 65 passengers and crew perished on impact. Salvadoran aviation authorities conducted an investigation that cited instrument misreading and communication failures. Aviateca implemented new safety protocols and pilot training programs following the crash. The tragedy remains one of Central America's most catastrophic airline disasters.

The twin-engine commuter plane had just departed on its routine inter-island service when it lost altitude. Eyewitnesses described the aircraft appearing to stall before descending into the island's rugged terrain. Search and rescue teams recovered all 20 victims from the remote crash site. French Polynesian investigators examined maintenance records and pilot procedures. Preliminary findings suggested a mechanical failure was a likely factor. Authorities issued new safety recommendations for regional carriers following the accident. The crash remains a tragic reminder of the risks in short-haul island aviation.

On August 9, 2024, Voepass Flight 2283, a regional commuter service, encountered critical difficulties shortly after takeoff from São Paulo's Congonhas Airport. Witnesses reported smoke emanating from one of the engines before the aircraft lost altitude and collided with trees near Vinhedo. Emergency responders arrived swiftly but found no survivors among the 62 individuals aboard. Brazilian aviation authorities launched an immediate investigation, focusing on flight data recorders and maintenance histories. The crash led to the temporary grounding of similar aircraft while safety inspections were conducted. Families of the victims and the broader public were left in mourning as national leaders pledged reforms to strengthen aviation safety. The tragedy highlighted ongoing concerns over regional air travel standards in South America.