On 8 Feb 1989, a Boeing 707-331B operated by Independent Air was involved in an aviation accident near 7 km E of Santa Maria-Vila do Porto Airport, Azores (SMA). 144 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck the Pico Alto mountain while on approach to the airport. This summary draws on records from Wikidata contributors.
A Boeing 707 charter flight crashed into Pico Alto during its approach to Santa Maria Airport on 8 February 1989, killing everyone on board.
What happened
On 8 February 1989, an American-operated charter flight, Independent Air Flight 1851, was conducting a journey from Bergamo, Italy, to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The Boeing 707 was scheduled to perform a stopover at Santa Maria Airport in the Azores.
While performing the approach to the airport, the aircraft collided with the Pico Alto mountain. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the plane. There were 144 fatalities and 0 survivors following the impact. The incident, often referred to as the Azores disaster, remains the most significant aviation tragedy in the history of Portugal.
Findings
The aircraft struck terrain during the approach phase of flight.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck the Pico Alto mountain while on approach to the airport.
