What happened
A cargo flight transporting flowers and frozen fish departed from Manta-Eloy Alfargo Airport bound for Miami. The aircraft was carrying three crew members and one passenger at the time of the accident. Approximately seven seconds after leaving the runway during the initial climb, the crew notified air traffic control that the number three engine had ignited.
In an attempt to maintain flight control following the fire, the aircraft lost altitude and collided with the bell tower of the La Dolorosa church. The impact occurred in a residential area situated roughly 4 km west of the airport. The force of the crash caused the aircraft to disintegrate, leading to the destruction of several nearby buildings and houses.
The accident resulted in 34 fatalities, including all four people on board and 30 individuals on the ground. Additionally, there were 50 serious injuries reported among the population in the impact zone.
Findings
Investigations revealed that the engine number 3 experienced an uncontained failure during the takeoff roll. Evidence of debris was discovered on runway 23, indicating the mechanical failure began prior to liftoff.