Summary
On a flight from Mérida-Alberto Carnevalli Airport, the aircraft departed from runway 25. After takeoff, it climbed into clouds and collided with a mountain located 10 km northwest of the airport. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate, and all 46 occupants were killed. Wreckage was found at an elevation of 4,100 metres.
Sequence of Events
Following departure from runway 25, the crew intended to use an unpublished departure procedure. While climbing through clouds, a 180-degree turn was initiated. The flight then executed a 270-degree turn using the magnetic compass, which was reported to be unreliable. This turn directed the aircraft toward rising terrain. The captain assumed control from the copilot. When the crew regained visual contact with the terrain, they realized they were heading toward mountains. The captain attempted to avoid the rising terrain, but the aircraft struck the side of a mountain at 4,100 metres.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the crew's decision to use an unpublished procedure after takeoff, followed by a navigation error during a cloud-based turn. The reliance on an unreliable magnetic compass led to a 270-degree turn that set the aircraft on a collision course with mountains. The captain's control input could not prevent impact.
Aftermath
All 46 occupants perished in the accident. The wreckage was recovered at an altitude of 4,100 metres, consistent with the collision point.