Bolivian Air Force investigators are intensifying their search for the black box flight recorders from the military C-130 Hercules aircraft that crashed at El Alto International Airport on Friday, killing 22 people and injuring 37 others in the deadliest military aviation disaster in recent Bolivian history.
The Bolivian Air Force's Aircraft Accident Board confirmed Saturday that technical teams are working to locate both the Voice Data Recorder and Flight Data Recorder from the FAB-81 aircraft, which was carrying newly printed banknotes when it crashed during landing operations at the world's highest international airport.
"We are searching for the Voice Data Recorder and the Flight Data Recorder, fundamental elements to establish the circumstances of the accident, which is what you civilians call the Black Box," explained Colonel Ricardo Alarcón during a press conference in La Paz.
Tragedy Strikes El Alto Airport
The aircraft, operated by Transporte Aéreo Boliviano (TAB) with registration FAB-81, crashed Friday afternoon after departing from Santa Cruz and attempting to land at El Alto International Airport, situated at an altitude of 4,150 meters (13,615 feet) above sea level.
The Hercules C-130 transport aircraft overran the runway and struck multiple civilian vehicles on the adjacent Avenida Hernani highway, creating a scene of devastation that has shocked the nation. Among the vehicles hit were minibuses carrying passengers, resulting in civilian casualties alongside the military crew.
Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas confirmed that the aircraft was covered by civil liability insurance for third parties, which will handle funeral expenses for victims and medical costs for the injured. "The immediate priority is the humanitarian component," Salinas stated. "We will monitor what happens with the injured, ensuring their expenses are covered and that heirs are adequately compensated."
Devastating Human Cost
The tragedy has particularly devastated one family, with Marcial Pérez losing eight family members in the crash. His 12-year-old son survived but suffered the amputation of both legs and is receiving specialized medical care at Hospital Agramont in El Alto.
"I have lost my family in its entirety. My children and my ex-wife. It's a complete disaster that has left my family members."
— Marcial Pérez, Crash Victim's Father
According to official reports, the aircraft was carrying eight crew members from Santa Cruz when it lost control during the landing approach at approximately 18:15 local time. The plane skidded off the runway and traveled nearly one kilometer before crashing into civilian infrastructure.
Banknote Chaos and Security Challenges
The aircraft's cargo of newly printed Bolivian banknotes created an unprecedented security situation following the crash. Thousands of bills scattered across the crash site, attracting approximately 5,000 people who rushed to collect the money despite police warnings.
Security forces had to deploy tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to loot the scattered currency. The chaotic scenes continued into Saturday, with authorities burning several packages of banknotes to prevent further theft and maintaining a strong police and military presence around the crash site.
Taking into account the nature of the cargo, the Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB) decided to withdraw from circulation bills of 10, 20, and 50 bolivianos from series B to prevent the stolen money from being put back into circulation.
Investigation Could Last Six Months
The Aircraft Accident Board indicated that the investigation could extend up to six months as authorities work to determine the exact cause of the crash. Colonel Alarcón emphasized the importance of climate factors being analyzed as part of the comprehensive investigation.
The investigation will examine multiple factors including mechanical issues, weather conditions at the time of the crash, and operational procedures. El Alto Airport's extreme altitude and challenging weather conditions are known to create difficulties for aircraft operations, particularly during landing approaches.
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has offered its resources and registry services to assist authorities and those affected by the crash, particularly in victim identification and support services for affected families.
Government Response and Support
The Bolivian government has mobilized comprehensive support for victims and their families, with multiple institutions coordinating response efforts. The Ministry of Defense has formed an official investigation committee while emergency services continue to provide medical care for the injured.
Authorities have warned the public not to be misled by versions circulating on social media, emphasizing that official information will be provided through proper channels as the investigation progresses.
The crash represents the most serious Bolivian military aviation accident in recent history, raising important questions about aviation safety protocols for high-value cargo transport and the challenges of operating aging military aircraft in difficult geographic conditions.
Ongoing Security Measures
Despite continued security efforts, dozens of people remain around the crash scene attempting to access the aircraft to salvage remaining money inside. Military and police forces maintain a perimeter to prevent additional looting incidents similar to those that occurred immediately after the crash.
The incident highlights the complex challenges facing military aviation operations in Bolivia, where high-altitude airports and mountainous terrain create additional risks for aircraft operations. The investigation's findings will be crucial for preventing similar tragedies in the future and may influence aviation safety protocols across the region.
As the search for the black box continues, families of the victims await answers about what caused this devastating accident that has become one of the darkest chapters in Bolivian military aviation history.