What happened
On a night cargo operation traveling from San Salvador-Ilopango Airport to Miami, the aircraft known as 'Clipper Fearless' experienced a five-hour departure delay caused by difficulties during the loading process. During the cruise phase of the flight, the crew was unable to maintain the designated altitude and deviated significantly from the planned route.
The Boeing 727 eventually impacted trees within a forested region situated near Mercedes. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were three fatalities among the crew members on board.
Findings
Investigations into the accident revealed that the aircraft was approximately 37 km away from its intended flight path at the time of the crash. While it is confirmed that the plane was flying at an insufficient altitude and off-course, investigators could not establish the specific reason for the navigational deviation.