What happened
While operating a flight from Santiago to Coyhaique, the crew encountered intense icing conditions during the journey. In response to the deteriorating weather, the flight was authorized to divert to Puerto Montt Airport. Shortly after receiving clearance for the diversion, the aircraft experienced a loss of altitude and struck the terrain on the slope of Mt Michimahuida. The wreckage of the flight was located by search teams on August 21.
Findings
- The flight was operating in severe icing conditions at the time of the accident.
- The impact occurred during the flight phase following the decision to divert.
- There were 14 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.