What happened
During a scheduled cargo operation traveling from El Salvador to La Paz, an aircraft carrying five individuals and approximately 5 tons of meat encountered a critical mechanical issue. While the flight was descending toward La Paz-El Alto Airport at an altitude of 17,000 feet, the left engine ceased functioning.
Following the engine failure, the crew attempted to feather the propeller but were unsuccessful in doing so. Due to the loss of power and the inability to stabilize the engine, the decision was made to perform an emergency landing. The aircraft struck a rocky terrain situated roughly 9 km east of El Alto Airport. The impact caused the separation of the engines and the undercarriage from the airframe.
Despite the significant damage to the aircraft, all five occupants managed to exit the wreckage with only minor injuries. The plane was declared a total loss following the incident.
Findings
Investigations into the accident focused on the mechanical failure during the descent phase. The primary factor identified was the failure of the left engine while in flight, though the specific underlying reason for this malfunction remains undetermined.