Cargo aircraft crash near Medellín-José María Córdova Airport

5 fatalities • Medellín-José María Córdova (Rionegro), Colombia • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight operating between Bogotá and Medellín crashed during its approach, resulting in the deaths of all five people on board.

What happened

A cargo operation traveling from Bogotá-El Dorado Airport to Medellín-José María Córdova Airport ended in a fatal accident during the final stages of flight. The aircraft, which was transporting a shipment of newspapers, was also carrying three crew members and two passengers at the time of the incident.

As the flight approached its destination, the crew encountered significant meteorological challenges, specifically heavy fog that severely limited visibility. While performing the short final approach, the aircraft descended below the required altitude and collided with trees. The impact occurred approximately one kilometer before reaching runway 36. The crash resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and five fatalities.

Findings

The accident occurred during the approach phase of flight. The primary contributing factor was the presence of thick fog and poor weather conditions which reduced visibility for the crew during the descent.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck trees during approach due to low visibility caused by heavy fog.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-12-22 Antonov AN-32 accident near Medellín-José María Córdova (Rionegro), Colombia?

A cargo flight operating between Bogotá and Medellín crashed during its approach, resulting in the deaths of all five people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1998-12-22 Antonov AN-32 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-12-22 involved a Antonov AN-32, registration HK-3930X, operated by Selva Colombia - Servicios Aéreos del Vaupés, at Medellín-José María Córdova (Rionegro), Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck trees during approach due to low visibility caused by heavy fog.

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