Incident Overview
A flight from La Paz to Cobija Airport experienced an uneventful journey until the crew began their descent. Air traffic control informed the crew that landing at Cobija was impossible due to poor weather conditions at the destination. The crew subsequently decided to divert to Trinidad-Jorge Heinrich Arauz Airport, located approximately 600 kilometers southeast of Cobija Airport.
Final Approach and Emergency Landing
While on final approach to Trinidad Airport, the crew reported technical problems and were forced to attempt an emergency landing. The aircraft crash-landed in a dense wooded and marshy area situated 4 kilometers short of the runway. Despite the severity of the impact, all 159 occupants were rescued from the aircraft. However, the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the crew was forced to attempt an emergency landing due to fuel exhaustion. The crew had decided to divert to Trinidad Airport, which is located 600 kilometers southeast of Cobija Airport, while weather conditions were considered good at Rio Branco Airport, located 160 kilometers northeast of Cobija.