What happened
On October 14, 2015, a Cessna 208B, registration PR-MIC, departed from Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (SKCL) to conduct geophysical surveying operations over the Valle del Cauca region and Chocó. The flight was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) for the purpose of specialized airborne geophysics.
After takeoff, the crew initiated a left turn toward the town of Yumbo while maintaining contact with Cali Control (CTR CLO). At 16:44 UTC, the crew reported being at 5,600 feet over Yumbo. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft disappeared from radar communications. The wreckage was later located at Cerro “Carisucio” at an elevation of 6,773 feet. The impact with the mountainous terrain resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the death of all three occupants, including two pilots and one technical operator.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation examined the flight's progress, the meteorological conditions, and the crew's decision-making process. Investigators analyzed atmospheric models (GDAS) which indicated that the cloud base (LCL) was approximately 6,400 feet, placing the terrain peak—which the aircraft struck 100 feet below its summit—within a zone of potential obscuration.
The investigation also reviewed the air traffic control (ATC) records, noting that a lack of manual flight progress tracking contributed to a delay in recognizing the aircraft's status. Because the electronic flight progress strip was not updated, the incoming shift of controllers was unaware of the flight's active status, delaying the activation of search and rescue services by several hours.
Findings
- The crew attempted to operate under VFR in conditions of significantly reduced visibility.
- There was a failure in operational risk assessment due to the foreign crew's lack of familiarity with the local topography and the specific meteorological evolution of the sector.
- The crew made a poor decision to continue the flight despite the deteriorating visibility.
- The aircraft struck the terrain 100 feet below the mountain summit.
- Maintenance records for the engine and propeller showed no evidence of mechanical failure or fatigue prior to the impact.