What happened
A cargo flight operating from Manta-Eloy Alfara Airport toward Miami experienced a catastrophic failure during its initial climb. The aircraft, which was transporting a cargo of flowers and frozen fish along with one passenger and three crew members, encountered an emergency only seven seconds after departing the runway. The crew reported to air traffic control that the number three engine had ignited.
In an attempt to manage the emergency, the pilot attempted to maintain control of the aircraft. However, the plane could not sustain its altitude and descended into a residential area approximately 4 km west of the airport. During the descent, the aircraft struck the bell tower of the La Dolorosa church before impacting the ground. The force of the collision caused the aircraft to disintegrate, leading to the destruction of several nearby buildings and houses.
Findings
The accident resulted in the deaths of all four occupants of the aircraft and 30 people on the ground. Additionally, the crash caused serious injuries to 50 other people located in the impact zone. The primary factor leading to the crash was an engine fire occurring immediately after liftoff.