What happened
The incident involved a twin engine aircraft operating a short charter flight from Shell-Mera Airport in Pastaza Province to Ambato-Chachoán Airport. The aircraft was carrying a crew of three and 31 passengers who were traveling to Ambato to visit family members affected by an earthquake that had occurred the previous day.
During the final approach from the south, the aircraft encountered marginal weather conditions. It struck a hill located in Salasaca, approximately 11 km short of the threshold for runway 01. The impact forces destroyed the airframe, and all 35 occupants were killed in the accident.
Findings
Official investigations determined that the crew continued the approach below the minimum prescribed altitude for an undetermined reason.