Accident Circumstances
While conducting a VOR approach to runway 26 at Puerto Plata-Gregorio Luperón Airport, the crew decided to perform a circling visual approach to runway 08. During the turn, the four-engine aircraft struck Peak Isabel de Torres, located 14 km west of the runway 08 threshold. The aircraft disintegrated on impact, and all 34 occupants were killed.
Official Findings
The probable cause, as determined by the investigation, states: "For unknown reasons, the crew completed the last base leg turn at an excessive distance of 9 nm instead of the prescribed 4 nm. The approach was completed by night and the crew failed to see and avoid the mountain."