What happened
During the initial climb phase following departure from San Salvador-Ilopango Airport, the aircraft experienced a critical mechanical failure. One of the four engines malfunctioned and subsequently ignited, causing an onboard fire. Due to the loss of power and the ongoing fire, the crew was unable to maintain enough altitude to clear surrounding terrain.
Approximately 3 km from the departure airfield, the aircraft type struck the slope of a mountain. The force of the collision caused the plane to disintegrate upon impact. There were no survivors among the 37 fatalities recorded in the incident.
Findings
Official investigations determined that an engine failure and subsequent fire occurred during the early stages of flight. The specific reason for the mechanical failure of the engine remains unidentified.