Incident Overview
Date: Sunday 16 March 1969
Aircraft Type: McDonnell Douglas DC-9-32
Owner/operator: VIASA, lsf AVENSA
Registration Number: YV-C-AVD
Location: Maracaibo –
ÿ Venezuela
Phase of Flight: Initial climb
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 84 / Occupants: 84
Component Affected: Runway Temperature SensorsRunway Temperature Sensors
Category: Accident
A VIASA flight 742 experienced a catastrophic incident due to faulty temperature sensors on the runway leading to Miami, resulting in a prolonged takeoff roll and a fatal impact with powerlines.A VIASA flight 742 experienced a catastrophic incident due to faulty temperature sensors on the runway leading to Miami, resulting in a prolonged takeoff roll and a fatal impact with powerlines.
Description
VIASA flight 742 was a scheduled service from Caracas (CCS) to Miami (MIA) via Maracaibo (MAR). Prior to departure from Maracaibo, the crew performed the calculations necessary for the takeoff configuration. Faulty temperature sensors along the runway caused the crew to end up with wrong performance data for the planned takeoff. The takeoff roll was longer than planned and the airplane barely climbed, striking powerlines at an approximate height of 150 ft (50 m) above the ground, then plunged into the La Trinidad section of the city. All 84 occupants and 71 people on the ground were killed. This accident caused the closure of the old Grano de Oro Airport and the accelerated construction and opening of the new La Chinita Airport.
Primary Cause
Faulty temperature sensors on the runway.Faulty temperature sensors on the runway.Share on:
