Accident Summary
An aircraft operating a flight from El Palomar Airbase in Buenos Aires to San Carlos de Bariloche crashed after striking the slope of Mount Lopez. The aircraft was carrying 47 soldiers and their family members, as well as two Uruguayan citizens, totaling 52 occupants. The accident occurred while the aircraft was approaching San Carlos de Bariloche Airport under marginal weather conditions. The point of impact was approximately 34 kilometers west of the threshold of Runway 11. The wreckage was located several hours after the crash, and none of the 52 occupants survived.
Investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances of the accident. The aircraft was on a flight carrying military personnel and their dependents, in addition to two foreign nationals. The approach phase was conducted in conditions described as marginal weather. Search efforts located the wreckage on the slopes of Mount Lopez, a mountainous terrain west of the airport.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the accident was a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). The probable cause was that the crew initiated the descent prematurely, without sufficient ground assistance. Additionally, it is possible that the crew was unaware of the strength of the wind in the area at the time of the accident. These winds may have caused the aircraft to deviate from the prescribed approach path, contributing to the collision with terrain.