What happened
During an approach to the Flores-Santa Elena Airport, the flight crew encountered significant visibility restrictions caused by dense fog. After being unable to complete the initial approach, the captain performed a go-around and entered a circuit pattern. A second attempt at the approach was initiated several minutes later; however, the weather conditions remained below established minimums, preventing the crew from identifying or locating the runway.
While attempting this second approach, the aircraft passed over the airfield without establishing visual contact with the ground. The flight continued toward the airport but subsequently collided with a mountain slope situated roughly 8 km from the landing site. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate, and there were 94 fatalities among the occupants.
Findings
Investigations concluded that the accident was the result of controlled flight into terrain. This occurred after the crew elected to proceed with a second approach attempt despite visibility levels being below the required minimums due to ongoing fog.