9 fatalities

2013-03-06: Beechcraft 200 Super King Air (OB-1992-P) — ATSA-Aero Transporte - Asesoramientos Tecnicos — Pias, Peru

Pias, PeruLanding (descent or approach)

On March 6, 2013, a Beechcraft 200 Super King Air (registration OB-1992-P) operated by ATSA-Aero Transporte - Asesoramientos Tecnicos was involved in an aviation accident near Pias, Peru during landing or approach. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost control after striking high-voltage power cables because the crew lost visual references during an approach in poor weather. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781194330Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine charter flight crashed into a mountainside 4.5 km from Pias Airport, resulting in the deaths of all nine people on board.

What happened

A charter flight departed Lima-Jorge Chávez Airport at 06:25 local time, transporting seven employees of the Peruvian mining company MARSA and two pilots toward the Pias gold mine. While performing an approach to Pias Airport, the crew encountered heavy fog that significantly restricted visibility. During the descent on a heading of 320°, the aircraft struck power cables at a low altitude. This impact caused the plane to stall and crash into a mountain slope located approximately 4.5 km from the destination airport. The collision and subsequent fire resulted in the total destruction of the twin engine aircraft and caused 9 fatalities.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified several contributing elements related to weather information and operational procedures. It was determined that the flight coordinator at Pias Airport provided inaccurate meteorological data that failed to represent the actual visibility conditions present during the flight. Additionally, the operation lacked a standardized procedure card for managing descents, approaches, and landings under the specific visual and weather constraints of the Pias area. Further analysis indicated that inadequate pilot training hindered effective crew resource management during both routine and emergency phases of the flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost control after striking high-voltage power cables because the crew lost visual references during an approach in poor weather.