What happened
On January 8, 2025, a Cessna 402C, registration HK2522, departed from Juradó Aerodrome (SKJU) bound for Olaya Herrera Aerodrome (SKMD) in Medellín. The flight was operating as a non-scheduled commercial operation under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), carrying a crew of two and eight passengers, including three minors.
While the flight plan was filed for VFR conditions, the aircraft encountered significant instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) along its route. Satellite imagery later confirmed the presence of dense cloud cover and convective formations in the area. During the flight, air traffic controllers attempted to contact the aircraft, but the crew did not respond. The aircraft's ADS-B signal was lost after recording a final altitude of approximately 10,675 feet.
Two days later, search teams located the wreckage in the Páramo de Piedras Blancas, near Cerro Aná-La Virgen in Urrao, Antioquia. The investigation revealed that the aircraft was in a climbing attitude before striking treetops, which were approximately 33.7 meters below the final impact site. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the death of all 10 occupants.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation focused on the flight's transition from visual to instrument conditions and the operational environment of the operator. Investigators analyzed ADS-B data, radar tracks, and satellite imagery to reconstruct the flight path. The investigation also examined the maintenance records of the aircraft, which were found to be up to date, and the certifications of the crew, which were also valid.
Investigators specifically looked into hypotheses regarding organizational and self-imposed pressures. While they explored whether the crew felt compelled to continue the flight despite the weather, the final analysis excluded both organizational and self-imposed pressure as contributing factors to the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) resulting from the aircraft entering adverse weather conditions while operating under visual flight rules.
- The operator lacked an adequate operational safety system to properly identify and mitigate risks.
- There were significant deficiencies in the flight dispatch process, specifically regarding the provision of updated and sufficient meteorological information to the crew.
- The operator failed to maintain effective flight monitoring and tracking capabilities.
- There were identified deficiencies in the oversight and inspection procedures by the aeronautical authority.