Accident
An aircraft was on final approach to Tabatinga Airport during nighttime and poor weather conditions. The aircraft descended too low and struck a pole. Following the impact, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed, bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed. All 44 occupants were killed.
Investigation
The investigation determined that the weather at the time of the accident featured low visibility due to adverse weather conditions. Additionally, a general electrical failure had rendered the approach lights and runway lights inoperative. The airport was not equipped with an emergency backup generator. The crew, facing pressure from the deteriorating weather and a low fuel state, opted to conduct a visual approach under these conditions rather than divert to the nearest airport at Leticia.
Probable Cause
It was determined that at the time of the accident, the visibility was low due poor weather conditions. Due to a general electrical failure, the approach lights and runway lights were not functioning and the airport was not equipped with an emergency generator. Due to pressure caused by bad weather and the fact that the aircraft was short of fuel, the crew decided to attempt a visual approach in such conditions instead of diverting to the nearest airport of Leticia.