Accident Sequence
On a charter flight from Cúcuta-Camilo Daza Airport to Yopal, a twin-engine aircraft departed at 1533 local time. The aircraft carried five passengers, three crew members, and a payload of 2,500 kilograms of assorted goods. Approximately one hour into the flight, while cruising over El Cocuy National Park, the aircraft encountered unfavorable currents. It lost altitude and crashed in a remote, mountainous area roughly 45 kilometers west of Tame.
Discovery and Casualties
The wreckage was located on April 12, 1999. All eight individuals on board were killed in the accident.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a possible loss of control due to strong air currents or windshear, accompanied by extreme turbulence, which caused the aircraft to lose height and strike the ground. Inadequate planning of the en route flight, including overflying the mountain range apparently to complete the operation in less time, was also cited.