Accident
The aircraft was on a positioning flight from Lago Agrio Airport to Quito. Prior to departure, engine number two became inoperative due to technical problems. The crew decided to proceed with the takeoff using the remaining three engines. Shortly after becoming airborne, during the initial climb, engine number one caught fire and exploded. The crew lost control of the aircraft, which banked left and subsequently crashed. Upon impact, the aircraft burst into flames. All seven occupants were killed in the accident.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause was the failure and explosion of engine number one at takeoff for unknown reasons.