Region
South America

Crash of a Douglas DC-9-14 in Neiva

Date & Time: Jun 14, 2002 at 1815 LT
Type of aircraft:
Douglas DC-9
Operator:
Registration:
HK-3859X
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Bogotá – Florencia – Neiva
MSN:
45843
YOM:
1966
Flight number:
RS8883
Location:
Neiva
Huila
Country:
Colombia
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
6
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
65
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
5590
Captain / Total hours on type:
442.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
804
Copilot / Total hours on type:
461
Aircraft flight hours:
73906
Circumstances:
Following an uneventful flight from Florencia, the crew was cleared to descend to Neiva-Benito Salas Airport. On approach, the aircraft was unstable and after the GPWS alarm sounded, the captain increased power and gained altitude, causing the aircraft to climb over the glide. The approach was continued and the airplane passed over the threshold at a height of 140 feet and eventually landed 1,700 feet past the runway threshold at intersection Bravo (the runway is 5,249 feet long). After touchdown, the crew started the braking procedure but two tyres burst and the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance. It overran and came to rest in a grassy area. All 71 occupants evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
The energy accumulated in the set of tires deflated the tire n°2, reducing the braking effectiveness by 50% due to the loss of the antiskid of that set in the same proportion, and subsequently the loss of 100% of the effectiveness of braking when tires n°3 and 4 burst successively, causing the aircraft to exceed the remaining runway length leading to the accident situation.
The following contributing factors were identified:
- The increase in speed of the VRF by the crew that increased the landing length,
- An unstabilized approach completed by the the crew,
- The pressure exerted on the crew due to the public order situation in the city of Florence for the purpose of a possible overnight stay of the aircraft and consequently the crew.
Final Report:

Crash of an Antonov AN-32A in Popayán: 3 killed

Date & Time: Apr 19, 2002 at 0853 LT
Type of aircraft:
Antonov AN-32
Operator:
Registration:
HK-4171X
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Popayán – Medellín
MSN:
2508
YOM:
1991
Location:
Popayán-Guillermo León Valencia
Cauca
Country:
Colombia
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
9798
Captain / Total hours on type:
1548.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
1069
Copilot / Total hours on type:
855
Aircraft flight hours:
3153
Circumstances:
The aircraft was chartered to transfer groups of prisoners from Medellín to Popayán on behalf of the National Penitentiary and Prison Institute. Fifty prisoners just disembarked at Popayán Airport when the crew departed on a ferry flight to Medellín for a second similar rotation. Popayán Airport is located at an altitude of 1,733 metres and its runway is 1,906 metres long. For unknown reasons, the crew decided to start the takeoff procedure from the intersection, reducing the available takeoff distance to 910 metres. Also, the flaps were deployed to an angle of 25° instead of 15° and the engine power was set at 95% instead of 100% as stipulated in the company procedures for airport located above the altitude of 1,400 metres. During the takeoff roll, at a distance of 150 metres from the runway end, the pilot realized he could not make it so he rejected the takeoff procedure and started an emergency braking manoeuvre. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the aircraft overran, struck trees and came to rest, broken in two. Three passengers were killed while five other occupants were injured.
Probable cause:
Improper execution by the crew by not following the procedures, instructions and manuals of the aircraft manufacturer and approved to the SELVA company by the UAEAC, specifically when attempting to perform a takeoff in a wrong configuration, with a reduced power setting and an insufficient runway length for the execution of the procedure.
Final Report:

Crash of a Boeing 727-134 on Mt El Cumbal: 94 killed

Date & Time: Jan 28, 2002 at 1024 LT
Type of aircraft:
Boeing 727-100
Operator:
Registration:
HC-BLF
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Quito - Tulcán - Cali
MSN:
19692
YOM:
1967
Flight number:
EQ120
Location:
Mt El Cumbal
Nariño
Country:
Colombia
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
7
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
87
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
94
Captain / Total flying hours:
12091
Captain / Total hours on type:
8263.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
7058
Copilot / Total hours on type:
3457
Aircraft flight hours:
64001
Aircraft flight cycles:
49819
Circumstances:
The aircraft departed Quito-Mariscal Sucre Airport runway 17 at 1001LT on a flight to Cali with an intermediate stop in Tulcán, carrying 87 passengers and 7 crew members. The flight was completed at an altitude of 18,000 feet on airway G-675 towards Ipiales, south Colombia. At a distance of 29 NM from Tulcán, the crew was cleared to descend to 14,000 feet and was briefed about the last weather conditions at destination. For unknown reasons, the crew failed to comply with the company SOP's and started the descent at an excessive speed of 230 knots while the approach procedure called for a speed of 180 knots. Also, the crew was not following the proper approach track for the Tulcán-Teniente Coronel Luis A. Mantilla Airport. In poor visibility due to clouds, at an altitude of 14,700 feet, the aircraft struck the slope of Mt El Cumbal located about 30 km northwest of Ipiales. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 94 occupants were killed. The wreckage was found 1,400 feet below the summit.
Probable cause:
The probable cause was:
- The decision of the instructor captain and his crew to initiate and continue the operation towards Tulcán Airport below minima weather conditions as established in the company's SOPs.
- Inadequate navigation and operation of the aircraft by the pilot-in-command and directed by the instructor captain, consisting of entering the holding pattern of the Tulcán radio beacon with a speed of 230 knots (IAS) and with a banking of 15° exceeding the maximum stipulated speed limit of 180 knots during the entire procedure including the holding pattern and using a banking below the recommended range of 25° to 30°, thus exceeding the lateral navigation and obstacle protection limits of the holding pattern, leading this operation to the collision with Mt El Cumbal.
Final Report:

Crash of a Fairchild-Hiller FH-227C on Mt El Tigre: 26 killed

Date & Time: Jan 17, 2002 at 1101 LT
Type of aircraft:
Fairchild-Hiller FH-227
Operator:
Registration:
HC-AYM
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Quito – Nueva Loja
MSN:
511
YOM:
1966
Location:
Mt El Tigre
Nariño
Country:
Colombia
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
21
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
26
Captain / Total flying hours:
17709
Captain / Total hours on type:
8338.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
12229
Copilot / Total hours on type:
6066
Aircraft flight hours:
29154
Aircraft flight cycles:
45178
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft departed Quito-Mariscal Sucre Airport at 1038LT on a charter flight to Nueva Loja-Lago Agrio Airport, carrying 21 oil workers and and five crew members on behalf of the Texaco Oil Company. While cruising under VFR mode at an altitude of 15,500 feet, the crew was instructed by ATC to change heading to 094° in order to descent to Nueva Loja for a landing on runway 23. But the crew failed to comply with this instruction and continued straight ahead. Few minutes later, the crew started the descent in foggy conditions when the aircraft struck the slope of Mt El Tigre located in the south part of Colombia, near the border with Ecuador. The wreckage was found three days later at an altitude of 4,500 metres. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 26 occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The accident was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain after the crew suffered a loss of situational awareness since their attention was focused on aspects that were not related to the flight being executed and therefore neglecting the primary function of flight which is the control of the aircraft and decision making.
The following contributing factors were identified:
- The crew failed to maintain a sterile cockpit situation,
- The crew was continuously distracted during the flight,
- Lack of technical documentation in the CIA that supports the operation,
- Lack of crew training about Crew Resources Management, human factors and Control Flight Into Terrain(CFIT),
- The weather conditions at the time of the accident on Mt El Tigre made it impossible for the crew to see the mountain,
- The aircraft was not equipped with a Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS).
Final Report:

Crash of a Let L-410UVP-E near Medellín: 16 killed

Date & Time: Dec 16, 2001 at 1025 LT
Type of aircraft:
Let L-410
Operator:
Heliandes
Registration:
HK-4175X
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Medellín – Quibdó
MSN:
86 16 18
YOM:
1986
Location:
Medellín
Antioquia
Country:
Colombia
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
14
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
16
Captain / Total flying hours:
10482
Captain / Total hours on type:
2340.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
250
Copilot / Total hours on type:
42
Aircraft flight hours:
1863
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport runway 01, the crew initiated a turn to the right and continued to climb. In poor visibility due to clouds, at an altitude of 9,200 feet, the twin engine aircraft struck the slope of Mt El Silencio near San Antonio de Prado. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire and all 16 occupants were killed. At the time of the accident, weather was poor with towering cumulus and rain falls.
Probable cause:
Controlled flight into terrain after the crew failed to comply with the departure route and the company standard operating procedures.
Final Report:

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-36 Marquise in Caucasia: 1 killed

Date & Time: Apr 15, 2001
Type of aircraft:
Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise
Operator:
Registration:
HK-2245P
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Bogotá – Caucasia
MSN:
684
YOM:
1976
Location:
Caucasia
Antioquia
Country:
Colombia
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
While on final approach to Caucasia Airport, the twin engine aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances 3 km short of runway. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Crash of a Rockwell Gulfstream 695A Jetprop 1000 in Puerto López: 8 killed

Date & Time: Feb 19, 2001
Type of aircraft:
Rockwell Gulfstream 695A Jetprop 1000
Operator:
Registration:
EJC-114
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
MSN:
695-96083
YOM:
1985
Location:
Puerto López
Meta
Country:
Colombia
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
8
Circumstances:
On approach to Puerto López Airport, the twin engine aircraft was too low and crashed in hilly terrain located few km from the airfield. The aircraft was destroyed and all 8 occupants were killed.

Crash of a Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle 10B1R in Yopal: 3 killed

Date & Time: Jan 31, 2001 at 1649 LT
Type of aircraft:
Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle
Operator:
Registration:
HK-3932X
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Bogotá – Yopal – Mitú
MSN:
201
YOM:
1966
Location:
Yopal
Casanare
Country:
Colombia
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
3445
Captain / Total hours on type:
2320.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
320
Copilot / Total hours on type:
320
Aircraft flight hours:
24072
Circumstances:
The aircraft departed Bogotá-El Dorado Airport on a cargo flight to Mitú via Yopal, carrying three passengers, three crew members and a load consisting of 14 drums of fuel. On approach to Mitú-Fabio A. León Bentley, the aircraft was too low. On short final, the left main gear struck a fence and was torn off. A hydraulic failure occurred and the captain decided to divert to Yopal Airport for an emergency landing. While descending to Yopal Airport, following a holding pattern to burn fuel, the right engine failed. The aircraft lost height and crashed 7,9 km short of runway 05. Three people were rescued while three others including one crew member were killed.
Probable cause:
Low situational alert by the pilot-in-command during the final stage of the approach to Mitú Airport and his failure to adequately plan the approach to Yopal Airport during an emergency situation. The following contributing factors were identified:
- Passive attitude of the crew, especially the captain during critical situation,
- Poor crew resources management,
- Lack of crew communication,
- Relative low copilot experience.
Final Report:

Crash of a Casa 212 Aviocar 300 in Tres Esquinas

Date & Time: Dec 5, 2000
Type of aircraft:
Casa 212 Aviocar
Operator:
Registration:
FAC-1251
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Bogotá – Tres Esquinas
MSN:
450
YOM:
1991
Location:
Tres Esquinas
Caquetá
Country:
Colombia
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
9
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The aircraft departed Bogotá on a flight to Tres Esquinas, carrying a team of engineers who were involved in the refurbishment of the runway at Tres Esquinas Airport. On final approach, the crew encountered technical problems and attempted an emergency landing when the aircraft crashed in a wooded area located 3 km short of runway. Two occupants were injured.

Crash of a Piper PA-31-325 Navajo near Sasaima: 8 killed

Date & Time: Oct 29, 2000 at 1855 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-31-310 Navajo
Operator:
Oscar Osorio Ramírez
Registration:
HK-2644-P
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Pereira – Bogotá
MSN:
31-8112044
YOM:
1981
Location:
Sasaima
Cundinamarca
Country:
Colombia
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
8
Captain / Total flying hours:
5066
Copilot / Total flying hours:
1822
Aircraft flight hours:
2869
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft departed Pereira-Macareña Airport in the afternoon on a flight to Bogotá-El Dorado Airport, carrying six passengers and two pilots. The flight was completed at an altitude of 15,000 feet and the crew was eventually cleared to start the descent to Bogotá for an approach to runway 13R. Shortly later, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in a wooded area located near Sasaima, about 42 km northwest of Bogotá Airport. The aircraft was totally destroyed upon impact and all eight occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the loss of control was the consequence of a double engine failure in flight due to a fuel exhaustion. At the time of the accident, all tanks were empty and the crew failed to calculate properly the fuel consumption, and the fuel quantity for the last leg from Pereira to Bogotá was insufficient. The aircraft was completing a series of flight since Octobre 26.
Final Report:
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