On December 21, 1996, an Antonov AN-32 (registration HK-4008X) operated by Selva Colombia - Servicios Aéreos del Vaupés was involved in an aviation accident near Medellín-José María Córdova (Rionegro), Colombia during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control following the in-flight fracture of the right wing that induced the rupture of the left stabilizer exceeding the ultimate resistance of the structure. The exact cause of the structural failure could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A cargo flight from Bogotá to Medellín crashed 8 km short of runway 36 at Medellín-Rionegro Airport, killing all four occupants after the aircraft lost control during final approach.
Accident
A cargo aircraft operating a flight from Bogotá to Medellín was on descent to Medellín-Rionegro Airport when the crew encountered difficulties intercepting the instrument landing system (ILS). The aircraft made successive left and right turns during the approach. On final approach, the aircraft went out of control and crashed 8 kilometers short of runway 36. The aircraft was carrying a load of 18,300 newspapers with a total weight of 4,970 kilograms. There were three crew members and one passenger on board. All four occupants were killed.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a loss of control following the in-flight fracture of the right wing, which induced the rupture of the left stabilizer exceeding the ultimate resistance of the structure. The exact cause of the structural failure could not be determined.
What happened in the 21 Dec 1996 Antonov AN-32 accident near Medellín-José María Córdova (Rionegro), Colombia?
A cargo flight from Bogotá to Medellín crashed 8 km short of runway 36 at Medellín-Rionegro Airport, killing all four occupants after the aircraft lost control during final approach.
Were there any fatalities in the 21 Dec 1996 Antonov AN-32 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Dec 1996 involved an Antonov AN-32, registration HK-4008X, operated by Selva Colombia - Servicios Aéreos del Vaupés, at Medellín-José María Córdova (Rionegro), Colombia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Loss of control following the in-flight fracture of the right wing that induced the rupture of the left stabilizer exceeding the ultimate resistance of the structure. The exact cause of the structural failure could not be determined.
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