Airlift Aircraft Crash in Ecuador

Incident Overview An aircraft departed Loja, Ecuador, on an airlift mission to Guayaquil. The flight was transporting civilians, specifically doctors, along with various equipment in response to a recent earthquake. The aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 3,000 meters under marginal weather conditions when it struck the slope of Mt Guachanama, located in the region of Celica. All eight occupants on board were killed in the accident. The official investigation determined the probable cause to be controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). The incident highlights the risks associated with flying in mountainous terrain under adverse weather conditions, particularly during humanitarian relief operations.