Aircraft collision with mountain near Mérida-Alberto Carnevalli Airport

46 fatalities • Mérida, Venezuela • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed into a mountain northwest of Mérida-Alberto Carnevalli Airport shortly after takeoff, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

Shortly after departing from runway 25 at Mérida-Alberto Carnevalli Airport, the aircraft entered a cloud layer during its initial climb. While flying through the obscured conditions, the plane struck a mountain situated approximately 10 km to the northwest of the airfield. The force of the collision caused the airframe to disintegrate upon impact. Search efforts located the debris field at an elevation of 4,100 metres.

Findings

  • The accident resulted in 46 fatalities.
  • The primary factor in the crash was the collision with terrain during the climb phase while operating in low-visibility conditions.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain during its climb phase while flying through clouds.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-02-21 ATR42-300 accident near Mérida, Venezuela?

An aircraft crashed into a mountain northwest of Mérida-Alberto Carnevalli Airport shortly after takeoff, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 2008-02-21 ATR42-300 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 46 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-02-21 involved a ATR42-300, registration YV1449, operated by Santa Barbara Airlines (SBA Airlines), at Mérida, Venezuela.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountain during its climb phase while flying through clouds.

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