Aircraft impact on Mount Chachani during descent

5 fatalities • Mt Chachani, Peru • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the slope of Mount Chachani while approaching Arequipa-Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón Airport, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During an approach to Arequipa-Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón Airport, a twin engine aircraft was performing a descent when it collided with the terrain. The accident occurred on the slope of Mount Chachani, situated approximately 17 km north of the destination airport. Upon striking the mountain, the aircraft underwent structural disintegration. There were five fatalities among the occupants of the flight.

Findings

Investigation into the event indicates that the crew was operating in poor weather conditions at the time of the impact. The environmental visibility or atmospheric conditions encountered during the descent contributed to the aircraft striking the mountain slope.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope during descent while operating in adverse weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-01-15 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident near Mt Chachani, Peru?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the slope of Mount Chachani while approaching Arequipa-Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón Airport, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1996-01-15 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-01-15 involved a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne, registration OB-1403, operated by Servicios Aéreos AQP, at Mt Chachani, Peru.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountain slope during descent while operating in adverse weather conditions.

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