Douglas DC-9 crash, Oct 10, 1997 (74 killed), Nuevo Berlin
Douglas DC-9 accident on October 10, 1997 near Nuevo Berlin, Río Negro, Uruguay with 74 fatalities. Cause: Slat extension at a speed above the...
- Date: October 10, 1997
- Aircraft: Douglas DC-9
- Location: Nuevo Berlin, Río Negro, Uruguay
- Fatalities: 74
- Phase of flight: En route
- Cause: Slat extension at a speed above the structural limit after pitot icing gave misleading low airspeed indications, leading to asymmetry and loss of control; crew training and CRM deficiencies were contributing factors.
Austral Flight 2553 climbed into icing and turbulence over Uruguay, then the first officer extended the slats at high speed while descending through FL300. The resulting asymmetry caused loss of control and a near-vertical crash in an open field. All 74 occupants were killed.