What happened
On a non-scheduled domestic flight from Bahía Solano to Quibdó, an aircraft disappeared shortly after takeoff. The flight departed at 1020LT, but no radio communications or position reports were received by any stations following its departure. The accident occurred at 1045LT.
Search efforts located the wreckage four days later on Bonito Peak, situated approximately 31 miles from the airport at an elevation of 2,400 feet. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and 40 fatalities, leaving no survivors among the crew and passengers.
While the aircraft's certificate allowed for a maximum of 31 persons, the flight was believed to be carrying 4 crew members along with 29 passengers, including two children and five infants. At the time of the crash, the total weight of the aircraft was approximately 12,002 kg, which exceeded the Colombian Civil Aeronautics Department's established limit of 11,43 31 kg for this specific aircraft type in passenger service by 571 kg.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified several contributing factors. Although an official cause was not determined, investigators noted that the pilot failed to complete a required weight and balance manifest, which is mandatory for pilots operating out of fourth-category airports like Bahía Solano. Other potential factors included adverse weather conditions and the pilot flying at an altitude that was inappropriate for the intended route.