Part 7/9:
Investigating the Catastrophe
In the wake of the crash, a comprehensive investigation was undertaken by the Peruvian Accident Investigation Board, aided by the National Transportation Safety Board of the USA. They discovered that the aircraft’s static ports, which are essential for determining altitude and speed, were covered by tape—a direct result of maintenance oversight. This tape had been placed there during polishing but was never removed prior to flight, leading to the erroneous readings that resulted in tragedy.