On November 7, 1960, a Fairchild F27 (registration HC-ADV) operated by AREA Ecuador - Aerovias Ecuatorianas was involved in an aviation accident near Quito, Ecuador during landing or approach. 37 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck terrain while navigating marginal weather conditions during its approach to the airport. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft crashed into a mountainside approximately 16 km from Quito-Mariscal Sucre Airport, resulting in the deaths of all onboard.
What happened
During an approach to Quito-Mariscal Sucre Airport, an aircraft collided with a mountain slope. The impact occurred at a distance of roughly 16 km from the airfield. At the time of the accident, the area was experiencing marginal weather conditions. The force of the collision caused the aircraft to disintegrate upon hitting the terrain.
There were 37 fatalities recorded in the accident, as all occupants on board perished during the crash.
Findings
The flight was operating under marginal weather conditions during the approach phase.
The collision took place near a mountain slope located 16 km from the destination airport.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck terrain while navigating marginal weather conditions during its approach to the airport.