Departure and Initial Flight
On the day of the accident, a twin-engine aircraft departed Neiva-Benito Salas Airport at 0922 local time, operating a regular scheduled flight to Cali. The aircraft was carrying six passengers and two pilots. After takeoff, the crew received clearance to climb under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to an altitude of 14,500 feet.
Accident
The last radio communication with the aircraft was recorded at 0940 local time. Three minutes later, while cruising in clouds at an altitude of 14,271 feet, the aircraft struck the slope of Mount Nevado del Huila, which has an elevation of 5,750 metres. The impact occurred at an approximate altitude of 4,350 metres.
Search and Recovery
Search and rescue operations were initiated promptly. However, the wreckage was located only ten days after the accident. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact, and all eight occupants aboard were killed.
Investigation
Investigators were unable to determine the exact cause of the accident due to a lack of evidence. Analysis of the cockpit voice recorder (CVR), flight data recorder (FDR), air traffic control communications, and debris failed to identify a probable cause. Several contributing factors were reported: the crew deviated from the planned route, reported inaccurate positions at waypoints specified in the flight plan, and utilized a route at a flight level that required supplemental oxygen for both individuals and crew.