Flight Information
The aircraft was operating a scheduled passenger flight between Mendoza and Córdoba. It departed Mendoza-El Plumerillo Airport at 1847 local time with 4 crew members and 21 passengers on board, totaling 25 occupants.
Diversion
At 2026 local time, the crew reported to air traffic control that they were diverting to La Rioja Airport due to the impossibility of approaching Córdoba because of poor weather conditions accompanied by heavy turbulence. At 2125 local time, the crew provided an estimated time of arrival at La Rioja of 2140 local time.
Accident
Shortly after the last communication, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain in the Sierra de Vilgo range, near the village of Amaná. The wreckage was discovered three days later. All 25 occupants were killed.
Investigation
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. For reasons which could not be determined, the aircraft deviated from the prescribed route and followed a course that led it to crash in mountainous terrain. A contributing factor was the pilot-in-command's decision to descend below the minimum altitude specified for weather conditions requiring an instrument approach, contrary to the provisions of the Airline Operations Manual. A probable contributing factor was the probable fatigue of the aircraft crew.