On May 24, 1981, Ecuador faced a national tragedy when President Jaime Roldós Aguilera's aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from Quito. The flight was headed to Zapotillo, coinciding with the commemoration of the 24 de mayo anniversary of the Battle of Pichincha, a significant event in Ecuador’s history marking its independence from Spanish rule. Roldós had just delivered a powerful speech reflecting on the nuances of liberty and national pride.

The aircraft, a twin-engine Fairchild FH-227, experienced complications shortly after liftoff. Accounts suggest that it entered an uncontrolled descent before crashing, leading to the combined loss of the president, his wife, and a number of advisors onboard. The exact cause of the crash was subject to investigations, which later pointed to potential mechanical failure and errors during flight. Immediate reactions included sorrow and disbelief from the populace, with many taking to the streets to mourn their leader.

Roldós had been in office since 1979 and was known for his progressive policies and attempts to stabilize the political climate in Ecuador. His untimely death left a significant gap in leadership during a turbulent period in the nation’s history. The accident shocked the nation and raised questions about aviation safety in Ecuador, bringing about calls for reform and greater oversight.