TAME Flight 120: A Tragic Controlled Flight Into Terrain Incident in 2002

TAME Flight 120, a Boeing 727-134 trijet airliner registered as HC-BLF and affectionately known as "El Oro" (Spanish for "The Gold"), was a scheduled international passenger service operated by Transportes Aéreos Militares Ecuatorianos (TAME). This routine flight aimed to connect Quito, the capital of Ecuador, with Cali, a major city in Colombia. A crucial intermediate stop was planned for Tulcán, an Ecuadorian border town, at its Teniente Coronel Luis A. Mantilla International Airport. However, on January 28, 2002, this seemingly routine journey tragically culminated in an aviation disaster that claimed the lives of everyone on board.

The Aircraft: Boeing 727-134 "El Oro"

The Boeing 727-134 was a mid-size, narrow-body trijet, meaning it featured three jet engines, typically mounted at the rear of the fuselage. Renowned for its distinctive T-tail configuration and robust performance, the 727 served as a foundational aircraft for commercial aviation for several decades, particularly on medium-range routes. HC-BLF, or "El Oro," was an integral part of TAME's fleet, providing a vital air link connecting key cities in Ecuador and Colombia.

The Ill-Fated Approach to Tulcán

As TAME Flight 120 commenced its approach to Tulcán's Teniente Coronel Luis A. Mantilla International Airport, it encountered exceptionally challenging meteorological conditions. Reports indicated dense fog and severely reduced visibility, making precision instrument flight rules (IFR) imperative for a safe landing. The accident occurred at approximately 10:23 AM local time while the aircraft was on its final approach segment.

Subsequent investigation reports revealed that the flight crew executed the approach incorrectly. This critical deviation from established standard operating procedures led the aircraft to descend prematurely below the minimum safe altitude required to clear the treacherous, mountainous terrain surrounding Tulcán. The airport itself is situated at a high altitude of approximately 9,679 feet (2,950 meters) above sea level, adding to the complexity of approaches in adverse weather.

The Crash Site: Cumbal Volcano

Instead of aligning with the intended runway at Tulcán, the Boeing 727 tragically impacted the western side of the Cumbal Volcano. This active stratovolcano is located within the Nariño Department of Colombia, near the town of Ipiales, and relatively close to the Ecuadorian border. The catastrophic impact occurred at an elevation of approximately 14,700 feet (4,480 meters) on the volcanic slope, significantly higher and further away than the prescribed safe approach path for Tulcán. The combination of rugged topography and the prevailing adverse weather conditions severely compounded the peril faced by the aircraft.

The Tragic Outcome and Fatalities

The impact with the Cumbal Volcano was catastrophic and resulted in no survivors. All 94 individuals on board TAME Flight 120—comprising 87 passengers and 7 crew members—perished in the accident. This devastating event stands as one of the most severe aviation disasters in Ecuador's history, leaving a profound and lasting impact on the nation and the airline TAME.

Key Findings of the Official Investigation

A comprehensive accident investigation, primarily led by the Colombian Civil Aeronautics (Aerocivil) with significant cooperation from Ecuadorian aviation authorities, thoroughly examined the circumstances of the crash. The final report definitively concluded that the primary cause of the accident was Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT). CFIT occurs when an airworthy aircraft, under the control of the flight crew, is inadvertently flown into terrain, water, or an obstacle, typically without the crew's prior awareness of the imminent collision.

• Pilot Error and Non-Adherence to Procedures: The investigation identified that the flight crew failed to rigorously follow the prescribed instrument approach procedures for Tulcán. This critical lapse led to an uncontrolled and premature descent below the safe minimum altitude.
• Crew Resource Management (CRM) Deficiencies: Analysis of cockpit recordings revealed a notable lack of effective communication, coordination, and assertiveness within the cockpit. This was particularly evident in critical decision-making processes while operating under stress and in conditions of severely limited visibility.
• Environmental Factors: The dense fog and low-lying clouds significantly obscured the terrain, drastically reducing visual references. This forced the crew to rely almost entirely on their instruments, which they reportedly either misinterpreted or disregarded, contributing to the spatial disorientation and incorrect flight path.

Frequently Asked Questions About TAME Flight 120

What was TAME Flight 120?

TAME Flight 120 was a scheduled international passenger flight operated by the Ecuadorian airline TAME, utilizing a Boeing 727-134 aircraft. It was operating a route from Quito, Ecuador, to Cali, Colombia, with a planned intermediate stop in Tulcán, Ecuador.

When and where did TAME Flight 120 crash?

The aircraft crashed on January 28, 2002, at approximately 10:23 AM local time. It impacted the western side of the Cumbal Volcano in Colombia, near the border with Ecuador, during its approach to Tulcán's Teniente Coronel Luis A. Mantilla International Airport.

What caused the TAME Flight 120 accident?

The official investigation determined that the primary cause was Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT). This was attributed to pilot error, specifically the crew's incorrect execution of the approach procedure, their premature descent below the safe altitude in adverse weather conditions (dense fog), and a lack of effective crew resource management.

How many people died in the TAME Flight 120 crash?

All 94 people on board, comprising 87 passengers and 7 crew members, tragically lost their lives in the accident.

What is Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT)?

CFIT is an aviation accident where an airworthy aircraft, under the control of the pilot(s), is inadvertently flown into the ground, water, or an obstacle. This typically occurs without the crew being aware of the imminent collision until it is too late, often due to factors like poor visibility, misinterpretation of instruments, or deviation from standard operating procedures.