Accident Sequence
A non-scheduled domestic cargo flight departed from Cúcuta, Colombia, after boarding 162 crates of beer and one passenger. The crew requested clearance for Arauca at 10:42 and received clearance for runway 20 with a south-southeast wind at 18 kt. The aircraft used more than three-quarters of the runway for takeoff, then initiated a turn over the city and returned over the aerodrome to gain altitude. At 10:58, the flight reported departure to the southeast, climbing in visual meteorological conditions to 7,500 ft, estimating Santo Domingo at 11:13.
When the aircraft reached approximately 4,500 to 5,000 ft, flames were observed emanating from the no. 2 engine. The crew attempted to return to Cúcuta. During the return, the starboard wing and engine separated from the aircraft. The remainder of the aircraft immediately began a slow roll to the left and struck the ground on Cerro del Espinazo. All four occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The accident was attributed to a maintenance error consisting of inadequate service and inspection of part of, or systems of, the starboard engine, giving rise to a fire in an undetermined part of the accessories section of that engine. A contributing factor was a maintenance error consisting of failure to comply with Technical Directive No. 62-10-2 (Aerocivil C-46-39).