22 deaths from military aircraft accident in Pastaza, Ecuador

image: Expreso

Twenty-two Ecuadorians died yesterday in Pastaza, when the military aircraft carrying them crashed. The death toll included 19 army soldiers, two from the Navy, and one Air Force.

The accident occurred, according to the Army, at approximately 14:30. The aircraft fell in the Fatima sector, near the Ranch “La Palmira”, in Pastaza, Ecuador.

The soldiers were in the aircraft because they were preparing to jump with parachutes.

Unofficially it was learned that the plane took off about 13:00 from the airport in Pastaza. Minutes later the pilot would have reported bad weather conditions and requested permission to return. Currently, there is no official report about the cause of the crash. (I)

Original source in Spanish: http://expreso.ec/actualidad/mueren-22-militares-al-caer-un-avion-arava-en-pastaza-KX154095