Fatal Mountain Collision Involving a Twin-Engine Aircraft Near El Bolsón (T-87)

Flight Details and Occupants A twin-engine aircraft departed San Carlos de Bariloche Airport at 1534 local time, bound for Río Gallegos with planned intermediate stops at El Bolsón and Comodoro Rivadavia. The aircraft carried a crew of four and two passengers. The passengers were Mr. Ulderico Carnaghi, Governor of the Santa Cruz Province, and his wife, who had just attended the 7th Snow Festival in San Carlos de Bariloche and were returning to Patagonia. The crew consisted of Juan Carlos García, pilot; Jorge Manuel Alvarez, copilot; José Medina, mechanic; and Oscar M. Lazo, steward. ## Accident Sequence While descending to El Bolsón Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions. During this descent, the aircraft struck the slope of Mt. Paleta, located 18 km north of El Bolsón. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and all six occupants were killed. ## Recovery and Findings The wreckage was located four days after the accident at an altitude of 1,995 meters. The official investigation determined the probable cause to be controlled flight into terrain.