1 fatality

Hughes 369D Forced Landing in Pitalito, Colombia, Results in Fatal Pilot Injury

Pitalito, Colombia

On December 29, 2009, a HUGHES 369 D operated by Sociedad Aerea de Ibague was involved in an aviation accident near Pitalito, Colombia. One person was killed. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

On December 29, 2009, a Hughes 369D helicopter (HK4177) operated by Sociedad Aerea de Ibague was substantially damaged during a forced landing in Pitalito, Huila, Colombia. The pilot was fatally injured and the passenger seriously injured.

Incident

On December 29, 2009, at approximately 1655 universal coordinated time (1155 local time), a Hughes 369D helicopter, Colombian registration HK4177, operated by Sociedad Aerea de Ibague, was substantially damaged during a forced landing in Pitalito, Huila, Colombia. The aircraft had originated from Ibague Airport (SKIB) in Ibague, Colombia, and was operating under Colombian flight regulations.

Injuries and Damage

The Colombian pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the passenger suffered serious injuries. The helicopter was substantially damaged as a result of the forced landing.

Investigation

The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Colombia. Further information may be obtained from the Grupo de Investigacion de Accidentes, Unidad Administrativa Especial de Aeronautica Civil, Avenida Eldorado # 103-23, Bogota, Colombia. This report is for informational purposes and contains only information released by the Government of Colombia.