Incident
An aircraft operating a flight from Punta Arenas was cleared for a VOR approach to runway 26. After a change in wind conditions, the crew opted for a straight-in approach to runway 08. The aircraft touched down 427 meters beyond the runway threshold at a speed of 112 knots. The reference landing speed (Vref) was 110 knots, with a target touchdown speed of 103 knots.
Landing and Overrun
Unable to stop within the remaining runway distance—the runway length was 1,440 meters—the aircraft overran the end, plunged into the Beagle Canal, and came to rest approximately 20 meters from the shore. The accident resulted in 20 passenger fatalities, 17 occupants sustaining injuries, and 35 others escaping uninjured.
Probable Cause
The official investigation attributed the accident to poor approach planning and an incorrect approach configuration by the crew, causing the aircraft to land too far down the runway. Contributing factors included marginal weather conditions, an unfavorable wind component with a 6-knot tailwind, a wet runway surface, and poor braking action.