The Haitian investigative board stated that multiple factors caused the crash, one of which was an opened cargo door during mid-flight.

While the controller was preparing to tell Flight 1301 about the problem, the crew asked permission to return to the airport to land.

The aircraft turned to the left, crashed, skidded and exploded, followed by a rising thick black smoke.

Local residents and rescuers rushed to the scene and find the charred and scattered wreckage on a sugarcane field about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi; 1.1 nmi) from the airport.

[3] The flight was neither equipped with a CVR nor a FDR and therefore the investigation relied on the wreckage of the aircraft and the air traffic controller recording.

[3] The Let L-410 manufacturer's test pilot's report mentions the following: "In a flight configuration (right turn at low altitude) where the weight was either excessive or at the maximum limit, the flaps extended to maximum (42° full down); this situation could significantly reduce the speed of the aircraft.

The combination of these factors could critically increase the drag caused the plane to enter a stall condition.

[3] The Captain's record indicated that he was qualified and had passed the flight proficiency test in accordance with the applicable rules.