Investigation Summary
The approach to Chachapoyas was complicated by the airport's lack of Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), although a VOR was available. This meant the crew could determine their bearing but not their exact distance from the runway. In conditions of poor visibility, the crew initiated their descent and final turns prematurely. Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) data revealed a significant lack of professional discipline, with the crew engaging in informal conversation and failing to perform required checklists or approach briefings. The aircraft struck the mountain at an altitude of 11,320 feet while configured with speed brakes extended, indicating the crew was attempting to lose speed and altitude rapidly without knowing their precise position relative to the terrain.
Final Conclusions
The primary cause was Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) resulting from complacency and a lack of effective communication between the technical crew. Contributing factors included the co-pilot's recent personal bereavement (the death of his father four days prior), labor instability within the airline due to frequent management changes, and financial stress caused by delayed wage and bonus payments to the crew. These factors likely degraded the crew's professional performance and adherence to safety protocols.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range)
The primary navigation aid used for the approach; it provided directional guidance but not distance information.
Speed Brakes
Deployed during the descent to slow the aircraft from 280 to 210 knots; they remained extended until impact.
CVR/FDR
Both flight recorders were recovered and used to identify the lack of CRM and procedural adherence.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was previously used as the Peruvian Presidential plane until 1995.
- 02The wreckage was not located until two days after the crash due to difficult terrain and weather.
- 03The impact occurred only 35 meters (115 feet) below the summit of the mountain.
- 04The airport at Chachapoyas lacked Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) at the time of the accident.
- 05The aircraft was pulverized upon impact, leaving no survivors among the 41 passengers and 5 crew.
Safety Actions & Advisories
CRM Training Reinforcement
The investigation emphasized the need for stricter adherence to Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), particularly in high-terrain environments.