Colombian Aviation Authority Just Revealed Why The Plane Carrying Brazilian Soccer Team Crashed

The Colombian aviation authority has just released the cause of the horrific and unfortunate plane crash that killed 71 people last month, along with most of Brazil’s Chapecoense soccer team, and it is only going to add to the already fuming grievers.

The report claims that no technical errors caused the crash. Instead, a combination of errors by the pilot, airline, and the Bolivian regulators are to be blamed for the sorry plane crash.

The plane, which was operated by a Bolivian charter company LaMia, crashed near Medellin due to the negligence of the pilot in failing to refuel the plane when it was required. And then he piled up the error by not reporting engine failures due to the empty tank until it was too late.

Colombia’s Secretary for Air Safety Colonel Freddy Bonilla told the journalists,

“No technical factor was part of the accident, everything involved human error, added to a management factor in the company’s administration and the management and organization of the flight plans by the authorities in Bolivia.”

“Aviation authorities in Bolivia and the airline accepted conditions for the flight presented in the flight plan that were unacceptable.”

The report also suggests that the plane was over its weight limit by almost 400 kilograms (881 lbs). And it was also flying at a higher altitude than it was certified to fly.

The preliminary report builds on Colombia’s investigation released last week which blamed the Bolivian authorities, LaMia and the plane’s pilot for the unfortunate crash.

Co-owner of the airline, Pilot Miguel Quiroga was also killed in the crash. The aircraft was carrying the Chapecoense team towards the biggest game in the club’s history, the final of the Copa Sudamericana. All but three of the football players and the club staff were killed.

LaMia’s CEO, Gustavo Vargas, has been jailed on the charges of manslaughter, which he has denied. His son, Gustavo Vargas Villegas, has also been accused of misusing his influence as the former official with Bolivia’ Aviation authority in licensing the plane. He also has denied the charges.

Along with them, LaMia co-owner Marco Antonio Rocha Benegas, and air traffic controller Celia Castedo have also been charged. While Marco’s whereabouts are unknown, Celia fled Bolivia soon after the crash and has taken asylum in Brazil.