What happened
During an approach to runway 26 at Puerto Plata-Gregorio Luperón Airport, the flight crew initiated a transition from a VOR approach to a circling visual approach for runway 08. While the four-engine aircraft was executing a turn, it collided with the Peak Isabel de Torres. The impact occurred approximately 14 km west of the threshold of runway 08. The collision caused the aircraft to disintegrate upon hitting the terrain. There were 34 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.
Findings
- The aircraft struck a mountain peak during a maneuvering phase of the approach.
- The accident occurred while the crew was transitioning between different approach procedures.