What happened
A scheduled domestic flight operating between the towns of Huánuco and Pucallpa experienced a fatal accident at approximately 1005LT. The aircraft was carrying 15 passengers and 3 crew members. While cruising at an altitude of 15,000 feet, the pilot notified air traffic control via radio at 0955LT that the flight would be returning to Huánuco due to adverse weather conditions.
Following this communication, all contact with the aircraft ceased. Witnesses on the ground observed the plane descending in a spinning motion toward the earth. These observers also noted an audible surge in engine power immediately preceding the impact. The aircraft struck the ground near the base of a hill and was completely destroyed. There were 18 fatalities among the occupants.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the port elevator separated from the aircraft during flight, which led to the loss of control.