On June 12, 1988, a McDonnell Douglas MD-81 (registration N1003G) operated by Austral Lineas Aéreas was involved in an aviation accident near Posadas-Libertador General José de San Martín, Argentina during landing or approach. 22 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew decided to continue the approach in below weather conditions (visibility below minimums), causing the aircraft to descend below the decision height without visual contact with the runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
On final approach to Posadas Airport, the crew continued below decision height in 100-meter visibility, striking trees and crashing 3 km short of runway 01. The aircraft was destroyed and all 22 occupants killed.
Accident Details
On final approach to Posadas-Libertador General José de San Martín Airport, the aircraft encountered heavy fog with visibility reported at 100 meters. The crew passed the decision height and continued the approach without establishing visual contact with the runway. The aircraft struck the tops of eucalyptus trees and crashed in a dense wooded area located 3 kilometers short of runway 01. Upon impact, the aircraft burst into flames and was totally destroyed. All 22 occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the crew's decision to continue the approach in weather conditions below minimums, causing the aircraft to descend below the decision height without visual contact with the runway. Contributing factors included a poorly planned approach, lack of crew coordination, and lack of visibility.