What happened
During an approach to runway 12 at Buenos Aires Airport, the flight crew was executing a standard instrument procedure. While the aircraft was approximately 1300 meters from the runway threshold and positioned 175 meters to the right of the extended centerline, it collided with a railway signal pole measuring 8 meters in height.
The impact caused the outer section of the right wing to detach from the Curtiss. Following this structural failure, the aircraft veered approximately 45 degrees to the right, where it subsequently struck several telegraph lines and a cluster of trees. The subsequent impact with the ground resulted in a fire that completely destroyed the airframe.
The accident resulted in 24 fatalities, including two crew members and 22 passengers. Additionally, 11 injuries were reported among the other occupants on board.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was the pilot's failure to adhere to the instructions provided in the instrument approach chart.