Flight History
The twin-engine airplane departed Neiva-La Manguita Airport at 0941 local time on a flight to Cali-Palmaseca Airport. After passing over Tuluá VOR at an altitude of 10,500 feet, the crew received clearance to start the descent. The aircraft was cruising in poor visibility due to marginal weather conditions, with visibility reduced by mist and intermittent rain.
Impact
While in these conditions, the airplane impacted the slope of a mountain located near La Magdalena, east of Buga. The aircraft disintegrated on impact, and all 17 occupants were killed. The wreckage was found at an altitude of 8,600 feet.
Probable Cause Findings
Official findings identified the following:
- The crew continued the flight under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions.
- The crew maintained an inadequate flight plan because, upon encountering adverse weather, the pilot did not change from VFR to IFR as required.
- The crew conducted an improper flight operation, outside the airway specified in the Colombian Air Routes Manual.
- Poor supervision on the part of the Operation Personnel and the Operator, by allowing crews to deviate from flight routes within the airways clearly established in the Colombian Air Routes Manual.