Tulcán-Teniente Coronel Luis A. Mantilla | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

Crash of a Fokker F28 Fellowship 4000 in Quito

Date & Time: Jan 17, 2003 at 0940 LT

Type of aircraft:

Fokker F28 Fellowship

Operator:

Registration:

HC-BMD

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Schedule:

Quito – Tulcán – Cali

MSN:

11220

YOM:

1984

Flight number:

EQ120

Location:

Quito-Mariscal Sucre (City)

Pichincha

Country:

Ecuador

Region:

South America

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

7085

Captain / Total hours on type:

4103.00

Copilot / Total flying hours:

1666

Copilot / Total hours on type:

124

Aircraft flight hours:

21547

Aircraft flight cycles:

40084

Circumstances:

During the takeoff roll on runway 35, at a speed of 125 knots, after a course of 2,110 metres, both tyres on the left main gear burst. The crew rejected the takeoff procedure but the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance (runway 35 is 3,120 metres long). It overran, causing the nose gear to collapse, and came to rest 81 metres further. All 77 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Probable cause:

Lack of a positive actions and reaction on part of the crew following the bursting of both tires on the left main gear, causing the aircraft to overrun the runway.

Final Report:

Crash of a Boeing 727-134 on Mt El Cumbal: 94 killed

Date & Time: Jan 28, 2002 at 1024 LT

Type of aircraft:

Boeing 727-100

Operator:

Registration:

HC-BLF

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Site:

Mountains

Schedule:

Quito - Tulcán - Cali

MSN:

19692

YOM:

1967

Flight number:

EQ120

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

12091

Captain / Total hours on type:

8263.00

Copilot / Total flying hours:

7058

Copilot / Total hours on type:

3457

Aircraft flight hours:

64001

Aircraft flight cycles:

49819

Circumstances:

The aircraft departed Quito-Mariscal Sucre Airport runway 17 at 1001LT on a flight to Cali with an intermediate stop in Tulcán, carrying 87 passengers and 7 crew members. The flight was completed at an altitude of 18,000 feet on airway G-675 towards Ipiales, south Colombia. At a distance of 29 NM from Tulcán, the crew was cleared to descend to 14,000 feet and was briefed about the last weather conditions at destination. For unknown reasons, the crew failed to comply with the company SOP's and started the descent at an excessive speed of 230 knots while the approach procedure called for a speed of 180 knots. Also, the crew was not following the proper approach track for the Tulcán-Teniente Coronel Luis A. Mantilla Airport. In poor visibility due to clouds, at an altitude of 14,700 feet, the aircraft struck the slope of Mt El Cumbal located about 30 km northwest of Ipiales. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 94 occupants were killed. The wreckage was found 1,400 feet below the summit.

Probable cause:

The probable cause was:
- The decision of the instructor captain and his crew to initiate and continue the operation towards Tulcán Airport below minima weather conditions as established in the company's SOPs.
- Inadequate navigation and operation of the aircraft by the pilot-in-command and directed by the instructor captain, consisting of entering the holding pattern of the Tulcán radio beacon with a speed of 230 knots (IAS) and with a banking of 15° exceeding the maximum stipulated speed limit of 180 knots during the entire procedure including the holding pattern and using a banking below the recommended range of 25° to 30°, thus exceeding the lateral navigation and obstacle protection limits of the holding pattern, leading this operation to the collision with Mt El Cumbal.

Final Report:

Crash of a Lockheed L-188C Electra in Taura

Date & Time: Sep 4, 1989 at 1654 LT

Type of aircraft:

Lockheed L-188 Electra

Operator:

Registration:

HC-AZJ

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Schedule:

Quito - Tulcán

MSN:

2004

YOM:

1959

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

After takeoff from Quito-Mariscal Sucre Airport, while climbing, the left main gear warning light remained on. The captain decided to divert to Taura AFB for an emergency landing. The aircraft belly landed and slid for few dozen meters before coming to rest. All 99 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Probable cause:

The bolts on the front gear doors were stuck because of a stuck support rod.