1970 — Aug 9, LANSA 502 takeoff crash (49 US HS students) ~Cuzco AP, Peru–54-55US of 101

–101 ASN. Accident description. LANSA Lockheed L-188A Electra, Cuzco AP, Peru, 9Aug70
— 8 Crew
–91 Passengers
— 2 Ground
–101 August 9, 1970 Cuzco, Peru [website] http://www.august91970.com/
–99 Crew and passengers. August 9, 1970 Cuzco, Peru [website]
–55 US
–49 US high school exchange students, 14-18 years-of-age.
— 6 US tourists
— 2 Farmers on the ground.
— 99 Cumberland News, MD. “Major National…News Events of 1970…” 1-7-1971, 20.
— 91 Cornell, James. The Great International Disaster Book (Third Edition). 1982, p. 374.

U.S.
— 55 August 9, 1970 Cuzco, Peru [website] http://www.august91970.com/
–49 US high school students, 14-18 years-of-age.
— 6 US tourists
— 54 Cumberland News, MD. “Major National…News Events of 1970…” 1-7-1971, 20.
— 54 NYT. “99 on Airliner Die in Crash in Peru; 54 are From U.S.” 8-10-1970, p. 1.
–45 High School students. Cornell. The Great Int. Disaster Book (3rd. Ed.). 1982, p.374.
–20 NY students. UPI. “W. Seneca Girl Among Dead U.S. Students.” Dunkirk.
— 1 Mrs. Graciele de Sotelo, Int. Fellowship Inc. student exchange service supervisor.

Narrative Information

august91970.com: “On August 9, 1970, at 2:46 p.m., a Lockheed Electra crashed and burned, moments after takeoff, in San Jeronimo, Peru.

“At the time, it was the worst aviation accident in Peruvian history, claiming 101 lives. Ninety-nine crew and passengers were killed on the plane; two farmers perished on the ground. Among those who died were forty-nine American high school students, who were 14 to 18 years old. They had been spending 6 weeks in Peru on an exchange program sponsored by International Fellowship, of Buffalo, New York….

“The sole survivor, 26-year-old student co-pilot Juan Loo, was found, badly burned, in a tree. He recovered fully, and now lives in the United States….

“Less than a month after the crash, The New York Times reported, on September 4, 1970, page 56, column 8, that the Peruvian government said pilot error “probably” caused the crash. Peru’s Transportation and Communications Minister, Meza Cuadra, said that the engine that failed on take-off had exceeded the number of hours allowed by regulations.

“The prosecuting attorney in Cuzco, Peru, instituted penal proceedings against Lansa, the national airline, and five of its officers, due to equipment failure, inadequate maintenance, and pilot error. He said that, when the Directorate of Civil Aviation investigated the accident, the airline hid–and then tried to substitute–a false “work-sheet,” because it contained a report on the defective mechanical condition of the plane, which had previously been observed on the in-bound flight from Lima to Cuzco.

“The Government of Peru, which concluded the plane was overloaded, suspended the line’s operations for 90 days and fined it 100,000 soles.

“A monument, erected in Peru, marked the site of the crash. It stands to this day, honoring the lives of 49 teenage Americans….” (August 9, 1970 Cuzco, Peru [website] Accessed 1-14-2012 at: http://www.august91970.com/ )

ASN: “Time: 14:55….
“Registration: OB-R-939
“C/n / msn: 1106
“First flight: 1959
“Crew: Fatalities: 8 / Occupants: 8
“Passengers: Fatalities: 91 / Occupants: 92
“Total: Fatalities: 99 / Occupants: 100
“Ground casualties: Fatalities: 2….
“Location: 4 km E of Cuzco Airport…Peru
“Phase: Initial climb
“Nature: Domestic Scheduled Passenger
“Departure airport: Cuzco-Velazco Astete Airport…Peru
“Destination airport: Lima-Jorge Chavez International Airport…Peru
“Flight number: 502

“Narrative: LANSA Flight 502 from Cuzco to Lima, was originally scheduled to depart Cuzco at 08:30. Departure time was postponed to 14:45. During the take-off run, which was 700m longer than normal, the no. 3 engine failed. The aircraft continued to climb at a speed of V2+15 knots. After retracting the flaps at 300 feet, the Electra turned left at a speed of 140 knots with a bank angle of 30-45 degrees. The aircraft contacted the ground during this turn and crashed. Two farmers were killed on the ground.

“The Peruvian government investigated the accident, and in its final report concluded that the probable cause of the accident was the improper execution of engine-out procedures by the flight crew, with contributing factors of improper loading of the aircraft and improper maintenance procedures by company personnel.

“Follow-up / safety actions: There was evidence of a cover-up and falsification of critical maintenance records by LANSA employees during the investigation process. The Peruvian government subsequently fined LANSA and some of its employees, and suspended the airline’s operating license for 90 days as a consequence.”(Aviation Safety Network. Accident description. LANSA Lockheed L-188A Electra, Cuzco Airport, Peru, 09 Aug 1970. 8-5-2007.)

Newspapers

Aug 9: “Aug. 9 Crash of Peruvian airliner kills 99, including 54 Americans, most of them touring high school students.” (Cumberland News, MD. “Major National, International News Events of 1970…” 1-7-1971, 20.)

Aug 9: “Lima, Peru, Aug. 9 – A Peruvian airliner crashed today shortly after taking off from Cuzco, killing 99 of 100 persons on board, including 54 United States citizens.” (New York Times. “99 on Airliner Die in Crash in Peru; 54 are From U.S.” 8-10-1970, p. 1.)

Aug 10: “Cuzco, Peru (UPI) – A Peruvian airliner carrying 100 persons, including 49 American high school students, crashed and exploded in the Andes Sunday after take-off from the tourist city of Cuzco. Only a student pilot survived.

“Among the dead were high school students from throughout the United States who arrived in Peru a month ago under sponsorship of International Fellowship Inc., a cultural exchange organization in Buffalo, N.Y.

“The students were returning to Lima from Cuzco after visiting one of South America’s most dramatic tourist sights, the ruins of Macchu Picchu, the ancient mountaintop capital of the Inca civilization outside Cuzco, 365 miles southeast of Lima.

Pilot Reported Trouble

“The pilot of the Lockheed Electra propjet of LANSA Airlines radioed Cuzco airport that he was having trouble with one of the four engines and was returning to Cuzco. The plane apparently lost altitude as it made a turn and smashed into a hill near the village of San Jeronimo, 11 miles from Cuzco. It exploded and burst into flames. Juan Loo, a student pilot, survived. He was found in a tree, critically injured.

“It was the worst air crash in Peruvian history. The worst previous crash had been that of a Brazilian Varig jet that crashed outside Lima Nov. 27, 1962, killing 93 persons.

Investigations Begin

“LANSA said 100 persons were aboard the plane, 92 passengers and eight crewmen.

“Indian potato farmers and government national guardsmen gathered bodies from the rocky hillsides of the Andes today and a Peruvian government civil aeronautics investigation team flew to Cuzco.

“Witnesses said the bodies and wreckage were scattered for 600 yards and most of the bodies were badly burned. Bodies of some students were clad in brightly-colored ponchos and other clothing bought as mementos of the trip.

“The Ministry of Transport said the crash occurred at 2:46 p.m. (3:46 p.m. EDT).

“The American students had been studying Spanish in Lima schools and made the trip to Cuzco to visit Macchu Picchu. They had been staying in Peruvian homes while in Lima and were scheduled to return to the United States Sept. 2. They were part of a group of 120 American students in Peru in connection with the program. Not all made the trip to Cuzco. The students ranged in age from 14 to 18.” (UPI/Gamarra. “49 U.S. Students Killed in Crash of Peruvian Airliner.” Evening Observer, Dunkirk-Fredonia, NY, 8-10-1970, p. 1.)

Aug 10: “Buffalo, N.Y. (UPI) – The plane crash occurred in South America, but it proved to be a major tragedy for New York State. Some of the state’s finest young people were killed.

“The crash in Cuzco, Peru, on Sunday took 99 lives. Forty-nine of the victims – 20 from New York – were summer exchange students from the United States, traveling under the sponsorship of the Buffalo-based International Fellowship organization. A spokesman for the organization said the victims were ‘all outstanding kids,’ highly regarded by teachers and classmates.

“Members of the program from New York State who were killed included: [See listings below.]

Aug 10: “Lima Peru (AP)….the airline Lansa, issued a list of 54 Americans aboard which included three other teen-agers [besides exchange program HS students], a 21-year-old and four older tourists….The student victims were from New York, New Jersey, Indiana, Ohio, Maine, Wisconsin, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Illinois and Pennsylvania, the company said….” (Associated Press. “Peruvian Crash Kills 49 American Youths.” High Point Enterprise, NC. 8-10-1970, p. 1.)

United States Fatalities
(for whom we have located information)

CA 1 Bluebook. “Student Profiles.”
GA 2
IL 6 AP. “Six Illinois Teens…Crash Victims.” Jacksonville Courier, IL, 8-10-1970, 6.
IN 4 UPI. “3 Hoosier Students Victims.” Evening News, Jeffersonville, IN. 8-10-1970, p1.
ME >1
MD >1
NJ >1
NY 20
NC 2
OH 4
PA 7
WI 2

CA: 1 Christopher Paul Reid, 15. (Bluebook. “Student Profiles.”)

GA: 1. Joetta M. Burkett, 17, Ellenwood
2. Vicki L. Ashmore, 17, Decatur.

IL: 1. Sue Ann Finkelman, 16, Deerfield.
2. Sherylynn McDowell, 16, Momence. (Or Sheryl Lynn McDowell; Bluebook.)
3. Ruth Ann Slack, 16, of Harvey.
4. Laurie Ann Leafgreen, 18, of Rio.
5. Craig A. Ormsby, 17, of Wheaton.
6. Leslie Ann. Stansell, 17, of Hoffman Estates.

IN: 1. Cynthia Lynne Oehlman, RR-1, Brookville.
2. Mary Beth Kinsock, 17, 7733 Delmar Ave., Hammond.
3. Jannine Louise Mullin, 516 Wharton Drive, Marion.
4. Randall Lynn Heeke, 21, University of Notre Dame. (Not one of the HS students.)

ME: >1. William Edmund Skehan, 17, Hampden. (Bluebook. “Student Profiles.”)

MD: >1. Linda Jean Moore, 17, Perry Hall Senior High, Perry Hall, MD. (Bluebook.)

NJ: >1. Albert Sarfert III, eighth grader.

NY: UPI. “W. Seneca Girl Among Dead U.S. Students.” Evening Observer, Dunkirk NY, 8-10-1970, 1.
1. Terry W. Richardson, of George St., Parishville.
2. Jerilyn R. Feldman, of 47 Edgewood Dr., New Hyde Park.
3. Anne Elbow, 41 Fernbank Ave., Delmar.
4. Kim R. Miller, 201 Maple St., Corinth.
5. Philip E. Simons, of Box 222, Dalton.
6. Patricia Ann Monaco, 843 Mineral Spring Rd., W. Seneca.
7. David N. Beebe, RD 1, Box 63A, Hudson
8. Paula C. Hawkins, RD-1, Box 252, Vernon.
9. Pamela Seitz, Pine St., Pine Plains.
10. David L. Blackmar, East Church St., Pine Plains.
11. Jennifer E. Blank, 12 Orchard St., Savona.
12. Joanne P. Tuckerman, 121 Schrade Rd., Briarcliff Manor.
13. Mary E. Howarth, RD-2, Delhi.
14. Nancy C. Oaks, Route 414, North Rose.
15. Darlene Bouboulis, RD-1, Maryland, NY
16. Gary M. Michaels, of 22 Genesee St., Geneva.
17. Barbara Jean Smith, of 14 Crescent Drive, Goshen.
18. Susan Van , of 1516 Van Hoesen Rd., Castleton-on-Hudson.
19. Ardeth Diana. Marshall, 7110 Woodruff Rd., Lima.
20. Christopher Caniff, of 27 Kelly Ridge, Carmel.

NC: 1. Kenneth A. Godfrey, Murphy.
2. Sharron D. Martin, Dobson, Surry County.

OH: 1. Ann Morrow, 18, South Central High School recent graduate, Greenwich.
2. Jennifer Lynn Phillips, 18, Highland High School, Highland. (Bluebook “Students.”
3. Margie Rook, 16, Black River High School, Sullivan
4. Jeffery Allan Russell, 17, Bolivar.

PA: 1. Daniel Scott Damack, 17, 1341 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh.
2. Deeva Jo Dulaney, would-be senior, Brownsville Area HS, RD-1, East Millsboro.
3. Harold Fineman, 16, Barnet Valley High School, 234-A Smithbridge Road, Concord.
4. Roy Lee Fowler, 16, 314 Maple Road, Pittsburgh.
5. Sarah Ann Marvin, 16, 612 Walnut Street, Reno, Venango County.
6. Sue Ann Nagy. (Bluebook “Student Profiles.”
7. Mary Elizabeth Smale, 16, RD-1, Kunkletown, Monroe County.

WI: UPI. “48 American Students Killed.” Eau Clair Leader-Telegram, WI. 8-10-1970, 4.
1. Susan E. Frohna, 17, of West Allis.
2. Scott W. Kasper, 16, of Wausau.

Sources

Associated Press. “Peruvian Crash Kills 49 American Youths.” High Point Enterprise, NC. 8-10-1970, p. 1. Accessed 7-5-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/high-point-enterprise-aug-10-1970-p-1/

Associated Press. “Six Illinois Teens Among Crash Victims.” Jacksonville Courier, IL, 8-10-1970, p. 6. Accessed 7-5-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jacksonville-courier-aug-10-1970-p-6/

Associated Press (Don Waters). “They were typical U.S. high school students.” Lowell Sun, MA. 8-10-1970, p. 33. Accessed 7-5-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lowell-sun-aug-10-1970-p-33/

August 9, 1970 Cuzco, Peru [website]. Accessed 1-14-2012 at: http://www.august91970.com/

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation. Database 1970. Accident description. LANSA Lockheed L-188A Electra, near Cuzco Airport, Peru, 09 Aug 1970. 8-5-2007 update accessed at: http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19700809-0

The Bluebook. “August 9, 1970, Cuzco, Peru…Student Profiles.” Archive.org. Accessed 7-5-2020 at: https://web.archive.org/web/20060105162526/http://www.august91970.com/

Cornell, James. The Great International Disaster Book (Third Edition). New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1982.

Cumberland News, MD. “Major National, International News Events of 1970…” 1-7-1971, p. 20. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com

Delaware County Daily Times, Chester, PA. “Garnet Valley student dies in Peru Air crash.” 8-10-1960, p1. Accessed 7-5-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/delaware-county-daily-times-aug-10-1970-p-1/

Evening Standard, Uniontown, PA. “Deeva Jo Dulaney, 16, East Millsboro, Victim.” 8-10-1970, p. 1. Accessed 7-5-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/uniontown-evening-standard-aug-10-1970-p-1/

New York Times. “99 on Airliner Die in Crash in Peru; 54 are From U.S.” 8-10-1970, p. 1. At: http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0E16FE3B5C1B7493C2A81783D85F448785F9&scp=1&sq=peru%20plane%20crash%20cuzco%20airport%20aug%209%201970&st=cse

Scott, Phil. “Togetherness and a Plane Crash.” The Record, Goshen College Campus newspaper. 10-22-2013. Accessed 7-5-2020 at: https://record.goshen.edu/2013/10/28609-togetherness-and-a-plane-crash

United Press International. “3 Hoosier Students Victims.” Evening News, Jeffersonville, IN. 8-10-1970, p.1. Accessed 7-5-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jeffersonville-evening-news-aug-10-1970-p-1/

United Press International. “48 American Students Killed.” Eau Clair Leader-Telegram, WI. 8-10-1970, p. 4. Accessed 7-5-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/eau-claire-leader-telegram-aug-10-1970-p-4/

United Press International/Ciro Gamarra. “49 U.S. Students Killed in Crash of Peruvian Airliner.” Evening Observer, Dunkirk-Fredonia, NY, 8-10-1970, p. 1. Accessed 7-5-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dunkirk-evening-observer-aug-10-1970-p-1/

United Press International. “Bolivar Youth Looked Forward to Trip.” Daily Jeffersonian, Cambridge, OH. 8-10-1970, p. 1. Accessed 7-5-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cambridge-daily-jeffersonian-aug-10-1970-p-1/

United Press International. “East Millsboro Girl, 16, Among 88 Persons Lost in Peruvian Plane Crash.” Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA. 8-19-1970, p. 1. Accessed 7-5-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/connellsville-daily-courier-aug-10-1970-p-1/

United Press International. “W. Seneca Girl Among Dead U.S. Students.” Evening Observer, Dunkirk-Fredonia, NY, 8-10-1970, p. 1. Accessed 7-5-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dunkirk-evening-observer-aug-10-1970-p-1/