TAME Flight 120, operating a Boeing 727-100, was scheduled to fly from Ecuador to the Colombian city of Pasto. On January 28, 2002, the aircraft encountered inclement weather as it approached the Andes mountains. Despite efforts by the crew to navigate the challenging conditions, the flight crashed in a remote area. The crash site was difficult to access due to the mountainous terrain, complicating rescue efforts. Unfortunately, all 94 people on board perished in the incident, consisting of passengers and crew members.

In the aftermath of the crash, teams were deployed to the site to recover victims' remains and investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. Investigators focused on the weather conditions and the aircraft’s navigational systems, seeking to understand how such a disaster could occur. The tragedy underscored the difficulties faced by pilots when flying in mountainous regions, especially in adverse weather. The slow recovery response and the isolation of the crash site raised questions about aviation safety in Colombia and the need for improved communication and tracking systems in challenging environments.

The incident garnered significant media attention, prompting discussions about regulations governing flights in precarious conditions. In the larger context of Colombian aviation, this crash contributed to ongoing evaluations of pilot training and aircraft maintenance protocols. It served as a somber reminder of the inherent risks involved in air travel, particularly in regions susceptible to sudden weather changes and difficult terrain.