What happened
A scheduled passenger service operating from Bucaramanga to Barrancabermeja departed at 16:28 hours. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot confirmed passing the Palonegro beacon and indicated that the flight was progressing as planned. At that time, the aircraft was traveling west at an altitude of 4,500 feet, with an expected arrival time in Barrancabermeja set for 16:50 hours.
Following this communication, no further contact was established with the crew. The aircraft went missing and subsequently crashed in a forested region approximately 48 km east of Barrancabermeja between 16:40 and 17:30 hours local time. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. The accident claimed the lives of 24 people, including both pilots and a flight attendant, while two passengers survived with injuries.
Findings
Investigations determined that the crash was caused by the pilot attempting to maintain visual flight rules during conditions that required instrument flight rules. During the descent or transit, heavy rainfall significantly reduced visibility, leading the pilot to strike trees and subsequently lose control of the aircraft.