Night Approach Accident at Arequipa-Rodríguez Ballón Airport (OB-1451)

Accident Overview and Fatalities The accident occurred during a night approach to Arequipa-Rodríguez Ballón Airport under poor weather conditions, including heavy rain. On final approach, the crew did not recognize that the aircraft's altitude was insufficient. The aircraft struck a hill and crashed 6.3 km from the threshold of runway 09. The aircraft disintegrated on impact, and all 123 occupants were killed. ## Official Findings and Contributing Factors The official probable cause was determined to be controlled flight into terrain. During the pilot's last communication with air traffic control, the pilot reported an altitude of 9,500 feet, while the actual altitude of the aircraft was 8,644 feet. Investigators believed the accident may have been caused by an altimeter misreading or an incorrect altimeter setting. The lack of visibility was considered a contributing factor.