Accident Details
On December 3, 2008, at approximately 1835 eastern standard time, an Aero Commander 500, Colombian registration HK1697, operated by Taxi Aero Caribeno LTDA, crashed in an open field near Cordoba, Colombia. The pilot and copilot were killed, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Flight Information
The flight originated from Olaya Herrera International Airport (SKMD) in Medellin, Colombia, earlier that day at an unspecified time, with a destination of Los Garzones Airport (SKMR) in Monteria, Colombia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight plan was filed.
Air Traffic Control Communications
According to information from the Colombian Civil Aeronautical Authorities, the air traffic controller at Barranquilla authorized the flight, upon reaching the IRETO intersection, to descend to 5,000 feet and to report at 15 miles from the MTR VOR. The crew never communicated with the Barranquilla controllers for the position report.
Search and Rescue
A search and rescue operation was launched. A military aircraft spotted an unusual heat source in an open field. Local police investigated the source and discovered the missing airplane.
Investigation
This investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Colombia. Further information can be obtained from: Unidad Administrativa Especial de Aeronautica Civil, Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado, Bogota, Colombia (Telephone: 571.425.1000). This report is for informational purposes only.