What happened
During an approach to Cúcuta-Camilo Daza Airport, a four-engine airplane was descending through 7,000 feet under favorable weather conditions. While maneuvering for landing, the aircraft became uncontrollable and struck the side of Mt El Retiro. The impact occurred near San Cayetano, approximately 17 km southwest of the destination airport. The crash resulted in the destruction of the airframe and 44 fatalities, with no survivors reported among the occupants.
Findings
Investigations into the wreckage determined that the accident was caused by a structural failure within the tail unit. Specifically, the tailplane spar failed in flight, leading to the detachment of the left tailplane and elevator, which stripped the crew of control over the aircraft.
Detailed examination of the debris showed that the upper flange of the left tailplane spar had suffered a fatigue fracture. This fracture consisted of two distinct zones: one area showing progressive fatigue and another indicating instantaneous failure. It was concluded that the structural integrity of the component had been compromised by fatigue, rendering it unable to endure the aerodynamic loads encountered when the aircraft passed through turbulence.