Incident Overview
A military reconnaissance aircraft operating from Córdoba to San Miguel de Tucumán was engaged in a mission to locate rebels in the western region of San Miguel de Tucumán. While cruising at relatively low altitude, the aircraft was hit by ground fire from automatic weapons. The tail and rudder sustained damage, causing the aircraft to lose control. It subsequently descended and crashed on the slope of a mountain near La Angostura.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft had flown from Córdoba to San Miguel de Tucumán before beginning its reconnaissance mission over the western area of the city. During the flight at low level, it was struck by ground fire. After being hit, the aircraft became uncontrollable and crashed into a mountainside near La Angostura. The wreckage was discovered one day later.
Occupants
All 13 occupants of the aircraft were killed in the crash. Among them were high-ranking officers, including General Enrique Eugenio Salgado, Brigadier General Francisco Ricardo Agustín Muñoz, Colonel Eduardo Wilfredo Cano, Lieutenant Colonel Oscar Rubén Bevione, Lieutenant Colonel Pompilio Schilardi, Lieutenant Colonel Pedro Santiago Petrecca, Major Roberto Dante David Biscardi, Major Pedro Antonio Zelaya, Major Héctor Abel Sánchez, Major Aldo Emilio Pepa, Captain Roberto Carlos Aguilera, First Lieutenant Carlos Eduardo Correa, and Sergeant Aldo Ramón Linares.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was that the aircraft was shot down by ground fire.