What happened
During a cargo flight operating between Bogotá and San Andrés Island, the aircraft was cruising at 16,000 feet when it encountered severe atmospheric turbulence. During this period of instability, both artificial horizons ceased to function correctly. This loss of primary flight instrumentation led to an uncontrolled descent. The crew managed to stabilize the aircraft once it reached an altitude of 4,000 feet. Following the incident, the pilot declared an emergency, and the flight was diverted to Medellín-José Maria Cordova Airport, where a safe landing was achieved.
While there were no fatalities, two injuries were reported among the pilots, both of which were classified as minor. The aircraft was subsequently declared a total loss.
Findings
Post-accident investigations revealed extensive damage to the airframe. Specifically, inspectors identified a crack in the lower main spar boom that spanned 35% of its chord. Evidence suggests that this structural weakness was not entirely new; the damage is believed to have originated from a landing gear collapse that occurred on 14 February 1988. The structural integrity of the spar was further compromised by the intense stresses experienced during the uncontrolled descent through turbulence.