What happened
On a scheduled domestic service traveling from Mendoza to Buenos Aires via Pajas Blancas, the aircraft type (not specified) was conducting an instrument approach to runway 17. The flight departed Mendoza at 17:50 and established contact with the Pajas Blancas tower at 18:40. During the arrival sequence, the aircraft began its approach at an altitude of 1500 m, which was significantly lower than the regulatory requirement of 3300 m for jet operations.
While navigating the approach via magnetic headings and radio beacons, the pilot attempted to intercept the VOR radial 168. During one segment of the descent, the pilot believed the aircraft was at an altitude of 250 m; however, upon failing to establish visual contact with the runway at 150 m, a go-around was initiated. Following a second attempt to align with the runway, the aircraft descended toward the threshold.
During this final phase, the port wing of the aircraft struck trees measuring approximately five meters in height, and the left landing gear made contact with the terrain. The pilot attempted to recover by reducing power and pushing the control column forward, but the aircraft continued to slide on its undercarriage for approximately 700 m. At a distance of 390 m from the initial impact, the port wing struck additional trees, causing the fuel tanks to rupture and ignite a fire. The wreckage eventually impacted the General Belgrano Railway tracks, displacing 25 m of rail, before coming to a final stop 280 m from the runway threshold. There were 0 fatalities reported in the provided text.
Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft was operating at an altitude of 1500 m during the approach, which violated the prescribed regulatory height for jet aircraft. The primary factor in the accident was the pilot's failure to execute the approved instrument entry procedure while descending toward the runway.