What happened
On the flight path from Santiago de Chile to Coyhaique-Teniente Vidal Airport, flight LCO213 experienced a catastrophic loss of control. While the crew was initiating the descent toward their destination, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled dive. The plane subsequently impacted terrain in a remote, mountainous area located approximately 24 km northwest of Coyhaique.
Search teams located the wreckage in an uninhabited zone several hours after the impact. The crash resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of all 36 occupants on board.
Findings
Official investigations were unable to establish a definitive cause for the accident with absolute certainty. However, evidence suggests that the aircraft may have encountered extreme atmospheric turbulence during the descent. It is believed that this severe weather event led to the structural failure of the right wing, causing it to separate from the fuselage while in flight.