Aviation Accident: Aircraft Collision with Mt El Cumbal (HC-BLF)

Flight Details and Departure The aircraft departed from Quito-Mariscal Sucre Airport on runway 17 at 1001LT. The flight was scheduled to Cali with an intermediate stop in Tulcán, carrying 87 passengers and 7 crew members. The flight proceeded at an altitude of 18,000 feet on airway G-675 towards Ipiales, south Colombia. At a distance of 29 NM from Tulcán, the crew received clearance to descend to 14,000 feet and was briefed on the latest weather conditions at the destination. ## Deviation from Standard Operating Procedures For unknown reasons, the crew failed to comply with the company's standard operating procedures (SOPs). They initiated the descent at an excessive speed of 230 knots, whereas the approach procedure required a speed of 180 knots. Additionally, the crew did not follow the proper approach track for Tulcán-Teniente Coronel Luis A. Mantilla Airport. ## Collision and Aftermath In poor visibility due to clouds, the aircraft struck the slope of Mt El Cumbal at an altitude of 14,700 feet. The mountain is located approximately 30 km northwest of Ipiales. The aircraft disintegrated upon impact, and all 94 occupants were killed. The wreckage was discovered 1,400 feet below the summit.