What happened
On the morning of August 13, 1973, Aviaco Flight 118 was operating a Sud Aviation SE 210 Caravelle aircraft. The flight was attempting to land at Alvedro Airport under severe weather conditions characterized by dense fog. During the approach phase, the aircraft deviated from its intended path and collided with residential structures in the nearby village of Montrove. The impact occurred approximately two kilometers short of the airport runway. The collision triggered a significant fire that consumed the wreckage.
Investigation
The accident resulted in the total loss of the aircraft and all individuals aboard. Official reports confirmed that 85 persons on the plane perished in the crash and the ensuing blaze. Additionally, one person residing in the village of Montrove was killed by the incident. The investigation focused on the circumstances leading to the deviation during the approach in low-visibility conditions.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the disaster was the operation of the aircraft in heavy fog without maintaining proper situational awareness or altitude control relative to the terrain. The inability to see the runway environment due to the weather played a critical role in the premature impact with the ground and structures.