Accident Summary
One minute after takeoff from Faleolo Airport, while climbing, the airplane entered a low pressure area with thunderstorm activity, rain, turbulence, and windshear. The airplane went out of control and crashed into the sea few hundred yards offshore. It exploded while contacting the water surface and all 32 occupants were killed.
Accident Sequence
The airplane departed from Faleolo Airport and began its climb. Shortly thereafter, it encountered a low pressure system that included active thunderstorms, rainfall, turbulent conditions, and wind shear. These adverse weather conditions caused the aircraft to deviate from controlled flight. The airplane, now out of control, descended and struck the ocean surface a few hundred yards from the shore. The impact resulted in an explosion, and the aircraft was destroyed. All 32 people on board sustained fatal injuries.
Official Findings
Investigators determined that the probable cause of the accident was loss of control caused by severe turbulences and probable windshear. No other causal factors were identified in the official report.