Accident Overview
The aircraft was descending to Cúcuta-Camilo Daza Airport at an altitude of 7,000 feet under good weather conditions when it went out of control. It crashed on the slope of Mt El Retiro, located near San Cayetano, approximately 17 kilometers southwest of Cúcuta Airport. The airplane was totally destroyed, and all 44 occupants were killed.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the upper flange of the left tailplane spar had sustained a fatigue fracture. Two distinct areas were visible: the area of progressive fatigue and the area of instantaneous failure. Laboratory tests subsequently confirmed the failure. The already weakened structure was not able to withstand the loads imposed when the aircraft entered an area of turbulence. Weather conditions were considered good and were not considered as a contributing factor.
Probable Cause
Aircraft structure factor – tail unit, involving the failure in flight of the tailplane spar, so that the left tailplane and elevator became detached and control of the aircraft was lost.