Background
The descent to Bahía Blanca–Comandante Espora Airport was initiated at night. Air traffic control informed the crew that visibility was reduced to 200 meters due to fog, which is below the minimum required for landing.
Event
Despite the below-minima conditions, the captain decided to attempt an approach to runway 34. After passing the middle marker, he was able to see the runway lights and chose to continue the approach in visual mode. Shortly thereafter, he lost visual contact, and the airplane struck the ground approximately 25 meters short of the runway threshold and 200 meters to the left of the extended centerline.
Aftermath
On impact, the right wing was torn off and the aircraft lost its undercarriage before coming to rest. All 39 occupants were evacuated safely.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause: wrong approach configuration on the part of the captain, who decided to land in below-minima weather conditions.