Overview
An aircraft operating a non-scheduled flight crashed into the slope of Mount Machu Sayari, a 4,350-meter peak located a few kilometers from Cochabamba, Bolivia, while descending to Cochabamba-Jorge Wilsterman Airport. The wreckage was discovered several days later. All four crew members on board were killed.
Accident
The accident occurred during the descent phase in marginal weather conditions. Visibility was limited due to low clouds. The aircraft struck the mountainous terrain before reaching the airport. The precise time of the accident and the aircraft's type and registration were not disclosed in the official findings.
Investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances of the flight, including weather data, crew actions, and aircraft systems. The official report determined the sequence of events leading to the collision with terrain.
Probable Cause
The official investigation concluded that the crew started the descent prematurely, causing the aircraft to fly below the minimum descent altitude. This error resulted in controlled flight into terrain.