Fatal aircraft accident near Salta-Martin Miguel de Güemes Airport

7 fatalities • Salta, Argentina • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside during approach to Salta, Argentina, resulting in the deaths of all seven people on board.

What happened

During an approach to the Salta-Martin Miguel de Güemes Airport, the flight crew encountered severe weather conditions characterized by thunderstorms. As the aircraft progressed toward the runway, visibility decreased significantly, falling below established minimum requirements for safe operation.

While operating in these degraded visual conditions, the aircraft descended to an altitude that was insufficient for the terrain. The aircraft type subsequently impacted a mountain slope located a short distance from the airport. The impact resulted in a total of seven fatalities, with no survivors reported among the occupants.

Findings

Investigation into the crash indicates that the primary contributing factor was the crew's failure to maintain a safe altitude while navigating through heavy storm activity and low visibility. The descent into mountainous terrain occurred because the pilots were unaware that the plane had dropped below the necessary clearance for the surrounding landscape.

Probable cause

The crew failed to maintain adequate altitude during an approach in weather conditions with visibility below minimums.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1985-04-11 BAe 125 accident near Salta, Argentina?

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside during approach to Salta, Argentina, resulting in the deaths of all seven people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1985-04-11 BAe 125 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1985-04-11 involved a BAe 125, registration LV-ALW, operated by Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales Argentinas - YPFA, at Salta, Argentina.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to maintain adequate altitude during an approach in weather conditions with visibility below minimums.

Loading the flight search…