Investigation Summary
The aircraft involved, FAP-351, had only been in service with the Peruvian Air Force for a few weeks prior to the accident. It was being utilized for a charter flight to transport workers to the Andoas oil fields near the Ecuadorian border. During the approach to Alférez FAP Alfredo Vladimir Sara Bauer Airport, the crew was conducting a Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) approach at night. Environmental conditions were significantly degraded by torrential rain. For reasons not fully determined, the flight crew allowed the aircraft to descend below the descent profile and minimum safe altitude. The 737 struck trees and came to rest in the jungle. Rescue efforts were severely hampered by the same weather system that contributed to the crash, forcing survivors to be carried on stretchers through the jungle to a medical post in Andoas as helicopters were unable to land.
Final Conclusions
The investigation concluded the accident was a Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT). The primary cause was the crew's decision to descend below the minimum safe altitude during an approach in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) without having the runway environment in sight. Contributing factors included the night conditions and heavy rain which limited visibility during the final approach phase.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
Total flying hours recorded by BAAA.
Copilot
Total flying hours recorded by BAAA.
Systems & Failure Modes
NDB (Non-Directional Beacon)
The primary navigational aid used for the approach, which provides directional guidance but no vertical glide slope information.
GPWS (Ground Proximity Warning System)
A system designed to alert pilots if the aircraft is in immediate danger of flying into the ground or an obstacle.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was leased from the Fuerza Aerea del Peru (Peruvian Air Force) by Occidental Petroleum.
- 02Thirteen people survived the initial impact, including two crew members and eleven passengers.
- 03The crash site was located in a dense wooded area approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) short of the airport.
- 04Rescue teams were delayed by over 24 hours in reaching the site with full medical equipment due to torrential rain.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Review of Civic Flight Operations
The accident prompted a review of the 'civic flights' program where military aircraft were used for commercial charter and remote region service to ensure civilian safety standards were met.