Investigation Summary
The flight departed Trinidad at 14:58 local time for a domestic scheduled service. As the aircraft approached Riberalta, weather conditions were deteriorating with heavy rain, fog, and visibility reduced to approximately 3,000 meters. The crew was cleared for an RNAV GNSS-Z approach to runway 32 with a circle to land on runway 14. Cockpit voice recordings later revealed the crew discussed the poor weather 17 times during the 33-minute recording, including the presence of a large cumulonimbus cloud at the runway threshold. On short final, the aircraft encountered a sudden windshear from behind. This tailwind component caused a rapid loss of lift, forcing the aircraft down. While some early reports and BAAA suggested the aircraft touched down and overran runway 14, the DGAC investigation and ASN confirm the aircraft impacted the ground approximately 300 meters short of the threshold of runway 32 (the opposite end) and 60 meters to the right of the centerline. The airframe overturned and came to rest inverted. A post-crash fire erupted shortly after impact. Both pilots survived, though one sustained serious injuries. The survival rate was severely impacted by the lack of airport rescue and firefighting (ARFF) services; the mayor of Riberalta later confirmed the airport had no fire truck, leaving the rescue effort to approximately 500 local residents who rushed to the site.
Final Conclusions
The investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) concluded that the primary cause was windshear encountered during the landing phase in adverse weather conditions. The report also cited human error and shared responsibility among oversight entities. Specifically, the lack of adequate emergency response equipment at Riberalta Airport was identified as a major factor in the inability to control the post-crash fire, which caused the eight fatalities.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Garrett TPE331 Engines
The aircraft was powered by two turboprop engines; the airline initially reported a technical problem, but investigators focused on environmental factors.
RNAV GNSS-Z Approach
The crew was cleared for this satellite-based navigation approach to runway 32 before circling to runway 14.
ARFF (Airport Rescue and Firefighting)
The total absence of this system at Riberalta Airport was a major secondary factor in the fatality count.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was built in 1989 (serial number 721) and previously operated by Mesaba Airlines and Bearskin Airlines.
- 02The airport at Riberalta lacked a fire truck or any emergency response equipment at the time of the accident.
- 03The cockpit voice recorder captured 17 instances of the crew discussing the severe weather conditions prior to the crash.
- 04The aircraft came to rest inverted and was completely destroyed by fire.
- 05Both pilots survived the accident, while eight passengers died in the fire.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Airport Infrastructure Review
The accident prompted intense criticism of the Administration of Airports and Auxiliary Air Navigation Services (AASANA) for failing to provide firefighting equipment at regional airports.