Accident Overview
On the day of the accident, the aircraft departed from Guayaquil-Simon Bolivar Airport, using runway 21. During the initial climb after takeoff, the left engine failed. The pilot immediately informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the situation and was cleared to return for an emergency landing.
Emergency Descent and Final Approach
While on final approach to the airport, the right engine lost power. The aircraft subsequently lost altitude and crashed in a swampy area short of the runway threshold. The impact destroyed the aircraft.
Casualties and Injuries
Among the occupants, one crew member and seven passengers were killed. Twenty other occupants sustained injuries, while 72 occupants escaped the accident without injury.
Official Findings on Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the exact cause of the engine failures could not be identified. However, the day prior to the accident, the captain had conducted a test flight following an engine overhaul. During that test flight, the captain noted that the power was insufficient and that the engine failed to respond properly. Subsequently, ground personnel rechecked the engines and recorded in the log book that no anomalies were found.