Investigation Summary
The flight was the final leg of a multi-stop international route originating in New York. During the approach to Buenos Aires, the crew encountered fog and restricted visibility. The investigation determined that the flight crew failed to maintain the correct approach configuration and continued their descent below the established glide path without adequate visual reference. The aircraft's landing gear and wings struck trees located approximately 2,500 meters from the threshold of Runway 11. The impact caused the aircraft to crash into a wooded area roughly 300 meters to the right of the extended runway centerline. A fire broke out shortly after the crash, consuming the fuselage, but the evacuation was successful for all 55 passengers and 8 crew members.
Final Conclusions
The accident was caused by the crew's failure to follow the approach checklist and monitor their flight instruments effectively during a low-visibility approach. By continuing the descent below the glide path without sufficient visibility, the crew allowed the aircraft to enter a dangerous low-altitude state that resulted in controlled flight into trees. The prevailing fog was cited as a significant contributing factor.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Flight Instruments
The crew failed to properly monitor altimetry and glide path indications during the instrument approach.
Approach Configuration
The investigation noted a wrong approach configuration was maintained by the crew during the final stages of the flight.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a Boeing 707-351B manufactured in 1963.
- 02Visibility at the time of the accident was severely limited by fog.
- 03The crash site was located 2.5 kilometers short of the runway 11 threshold on the grounds of the Ezeiza Atomic Center (CAE).
- 0422 occupants sustained injuries, while 41 were unhurt.
- 05The aircraft was completely destroyed by the post-impact fire.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Adherence to Checklists
The investigation emphasized the necessity for crews to strictly follow approach checklists and instrument cross-checks, especially in reduced visibility conditions.
Location
ACCIDENT SITE · Coordinates taken from the official investigation report.