What happened
While en route from Tijuana to Los Angeles, the aircraft encountered rapidly deteriorating weather conditions characterized by heavy rainfall and significantly reduced visibility. The crew lowered the altitude in an apparent attempt to locate a suitable area for an emergency landing. During the final approach phase over an open field, the airplane rolled to the left and lost altitude. This maneuver caused the left wing to strike the ground. Following this impact, the aircraft became uncontrollable, slid approximately 60 meters, and subsequently caught fire. The airframe was destroyed in the post-crash fire, resulting in the deaths of all 16 occupants on board.
Findings
Official investigations identified the accident as occurring during darkness with low overcast conditions. The inquiry board determined that severe weather was a primary causative factor, noting that the aircraft encountered local meteorological conditions with unpredictable characteristics. These conditions likely caused the flight crew to become disoriented. As the aircraft turned left toward an unlit area, the port wing made contact with the terrain.