On September 6, 2011, a Swearingen SA227 Metro III (registration CP-2548) operated by Aerocon - Aero Comercial Oriente Norte was involved in an aviation accident near Trinidad-Jorge Heinrich Arauz, Bolivia during landing or approach. 8 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft descended into trees and crashed 8 km short of runway 14 at Trinidad-Jorge Heinrich Arauz Airport due to poor visibility from smoke. Wreckage found 3 days later; one passenger injured, eight occupants killed.
Accident
An aircraft operating a flight from Santa Cruz-El Trompillo Airport to Trinidad-Jorge Heinrich Arauz Airport crashed during its approach to runway 14. The crew had begun an uneventful descent when they encountered reduced visibility caused by smoke from forest fires. Visibility was estimated at between 300 and 500 feet. The aircraft descended below a safe altitude, struck trees, and impacted a wooded area located 8 km short of the runway.
Aftermath
The wreckage was located three days after the accident. One passenger sustained minor injuries, while eight other occupants were killed.