Accident
A cargo flight operating between San José and Upala collided with the slope of the Arenal volcano approximately 20 minutes after departure. The aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 4,700 feet in clouds when it struck the terrain. The airplane was destroyed in the impact, and both pilots were killed.
Investigation
Investigators determined that at the time of the accident, the aircraft was slightly off its intended course. This deviation was attributed to a northeast wind affecting the flight path. The crew was unable to visually identify the volcano because it was shrouded in stratus clouds. Additionally, the crew began the descent toward Upala earlier than planned, which was considered a contributing factor to the collision.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause stated that the airplane was slightly off course due to a northeast wind, the crew could not distinguish the mountain obscured by stratus clouds, and the crew initiated the descent to Upala too early, which contributed to the accident.