Accident Overview
TAME Flight 120 was a scheduled international passenger flight operated by TAME (Transportes Aéreos Militares Ecuatorianos). The aircraft, a Boeing 727-134 bearing registration HC-BLF and named "El Oro," was flying from Quito, Ecuador, to Cali, Colombia, with a planned stopover at Tulcán's Teniente Coronel Luis A. Mantilla International Airport.
On January 28, 2002, while on approach to Tulcán, the aircraft crashed into the side of the Cumbal Volcano, located near Ipiales, Colombia. The accident occurred at 10:23 in the morning. All 94 passengers and crew members on board were killed.
Flight and Circumstances
The flight originated in Quito and was scheduled to land at Tulcán before continuing to Cali. During the approach, the pilot flew the approach incorrectly. Conditions were reportedly foggy at the time. The aircraft struck the volcanic terrain, resulting in the destruction of the airframe and no survivors.
Probable Cause
According to the investigation, the pilot flew the approach incorrectly in reportedly foggy conditions, leading to the collision with the Cumbal Volcano.