Accident Details
The flight departed Nichols Air Force Base in the early morning hours, bound for San Jose Buenavista. The aircraft carried 7 crew members and 30 passengers, including civilians. During the cruise phase at an altitude of 6,000 feet, the aircraft struck the slope of Mount Madiac, which lies 95 kilometers northeast of San Jose Buenavista. The accident occurred in poor weather: low clouds, visibility limited to a few hundred meters, and gusty winds up to 40 knots. These winds caused the aircraft to deviate from its prescribed route, leading to the collision with the mountain.
Wreckage and Recovery
Search and rescue teams were dispatched after the accident. The wreckage was discovered three days later in an isolated area, approximately 300 meters below the summit of Mount Madiac. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and all 37 occupants — 7 crew and 30 passengers — were killed.
Weather Conditions
Weather at the time of the accident was poor, with low cloud ceilings and horizontal visibility of only a few hundred meters. Additionally, strong gusty winds up to 40 knots were present, which contributed to the aircraft's deviation from its intended flight path.
Probable Cause
The official investigation's probable cause was controlled flight into terrain.