What happened
During a repositioning flight destined for Quito, the crew operated the aircraft with one engine non-functional due to mechanical issues. The decision was made to proceed with the departure using only three engines. Shortly after departing from Lago Agrio Airport, the aircraft entered its initial climb phase when a critical failure occurred in the number one engine. This engine experienced an explosion and subsequent fire.
Following the engine failure, the flight crew lost control of the plane. The aircraft entered a left bank and descended into the ground, where it impacted with enough force to ignite a large fire. There were seven fatalities among the occupants of the flight.
Findings
Investigations determined that the primary factor in the accident was the explosion of the number one engine during the takeoff sequence.