Accident Details
An Aviateca aircraft operating a flight from Guatemala City to San Salvador-Comalapa Airport crashed into a densely wooded area on Mount San Vicente (Chichontepec Volcano, elevation 2,181 meters), approximately 25 km northeast of runway 25 threshold. The accident occurred during a night descent in poor visibility due to heavy rain and thunderstorm activity.
Sequence of Events
After an uneventful departure from Guatemala City, the crew received clearance to begin descent to San Salvador-Comalapa Airport. Weather conditions deteriorated with night and heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorm activity. The crew was cleared to modify their route while descending. After being cleared to descend to 5,000 feet, the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) alarm sounded. The captain applied full power when the aircraft struck trees and crashed. The aircraft disintegrated on impact, and all 65 occupants were killed.
Findings
Official investigation determined the probable cause was the flight crew's lack of situational awareness regarding the 7,159-foot obstruction, their decision to descend below the Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA) while deviating from a published transition or approach, and ambiguity in position information between the flight crew and air traffic controller, leading to an altitude assignment that did not ensure terrain clearance. Contributing factors included the first officer's failure to express concern about reported positions in a more direct and assertive manner, and the controller's failure to recognize the aircraft's reported position relative to obstructions and issue appropriate instructions or warnings. An ineffective Crew Resource Management (CRM) program at Aviateca also contributed to the accident.