What happened
On April 20, 2001, a Cessna A185E, registration OB-1408, was conducting a flight from Islandia to Iquitos, Peru, under RAP 91 regulations. The aircraft was operated by the Asociación Bautista de Evangelización Mundial and was carrying two adults, one child, and one infant.
While flying near the locality of Pevas, the aircraft was intercepted by a Cessna A-37B belonging to the Peruvian Air Force. During the interception, the A-37B opened fire on the Cessna A185E, causing significant damage and an onboard fire. The aircraft subsequently crashed near the locality of Huanta. The accident resulted in two fatalities (one adult and one infant) and left the pilot with serious injuries.
The investigation
The investigation established that the aircraft was brought down by bullets striking vital areas of the fuselage. The gunfire originated from a General Dynamics GAU-2B/A 7.62 mm minigun mounted on the Peruvian Air Force interceptor.
Findings
- The primary cause of the crash was the impact of gunfire from the intercepting aircraft's minigun.
- The crew of the Cessna A-37B and the relevant Peruvian airspace interception agencies failed to follow the interception procedures established in the ICAO Annexes (Annex 2, Chapter 3.8, Appendix 2, and Annex A).
- The interception crew and responsible authorities also failed to comply with the procedures outlined in the AIP-PERU manual.