3 fatalities

Aircraft Crashes into Houses in San Gerardo after Landing in Heavy Rain (HK-1408)

Bucaramanga-Gomez Niño, ColombiaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 5, 1973, an Avro 748 (registration HK-1408) operated by Avianca was involved in an aviation accident near Bucaramanga-Gomez Niño, Colombia during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control after touchdown due to aquaplaning. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial aircraft landed 469 meters past the threshold on a wet runway, veered left, contacted soft ground, and crashed into houses. All 44 occupants evacuated, seven injured. Three children on ground killed.

Accident

The aircraft completed its approach and landing in heavy rain. It touched down 469 meters past the threshold of runway 10, which was very wet. After touchdown, the aircraft veered to the left. It then contacted soft ground after traveling 312 meters and eventually crashed into several houses located in the district of San Gerardo.

Occupants and Casualties

All 44 occupants were evacuated from the aircraft. Seven of them were injured. The aircraft was written off. On the ground, three children aged 7, 11, and 12 were killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a loss of control after touchdown due to aquaplaning.