Accident
A four-engine airplane crashed into Mount Santa Elena shortly after taking off from Florencia-Gustavo Artunduaga Paredes Airport. The aircraft was in cruise flight under bad weather conditions when it struck the mountain's slope, which was obscured by clouds. Mount Santa Elena is situated approximately 48 kilometers north of Florencia. The impact occurred during the early part of the flight. The wreckage was located several hours after the accident. The airplane was completely destroyed, and all 50 occupants on board lost their lives.
Investigation
The accident was investigated by the relevant aviation authorities. The investigation considered the weather conditions and the crew's flight decisions. The final report included a determination of probable cause.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was that the crew continued to fly under visual flight rules (VFR) in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and they operated the aircraft below the minimum safe altitude as published in the procedures.