What happened
A single-engine aircraft was operating a charter service from Trujillo to Pucallpa when it encountered severe weather while traversing the Cajamarca Province. During the cruise phase of the flight, the aircraft encountered heavy rainfall. In response to the deteriorating weather, the pilot altered the flight path to maintain visual flight rules (VFR) conditions.
Despite the change in route, the aircraft was flying at an inadequate altitude. The single-engine aircraft eventually struck the terrain in a mountainous area. The force of the impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There was no post-crash fire reported at the scene.
Findings
- The flight was operating under VFR following a route deviation intended to avoid heavy rain.
- The primary factor in the accident was that the aircraft was maintained at an insufficient altitude during its flight through the mountains.
- The crash resulted in three fatalities, involving the two pilots and one passenger on board.