What happened
A delivery flight was en route from Antofagasta, Chile, to Salta, Argentina, with scheduled stops in Mexico City and Asunción, Paraguay. During the leg departing Antofagasta, the aircraft was operating under visual flight rules (VFR) via Chosque and San Antonio de los Cobres. At approximately 14:00, an observer noted the aircraft type flying at a very low altitude in a straight line toward San Antonio de los Cobres, positioned roughly 40 km east of Olapacato.
An individual following the aircraft in a vehicle believed the plane was attempting to land; however, they later discovered the wreckage burned near the northern slope of a hill situated above Rio Tocomar. The impact occurred at an elevation of about 4,500 metres. Eyewitness accounts indicate the aircraft struck the hillside while maintaining steady, level flight, with no visible attempt by the pilot to maneuver away from the terrain. The crash and subsequent fire resulted in one fatality and the total destruction of the plane.
Findings
Investigations concluded that the accident was caused by a loss of control due to potential anoxia affecting the pilot. A significant contributing factor was insufficient flight planning, as the crew failed to prepare necessary oxygen-breathing equipment required for operations at such high altitudes.