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9 fatalities

Fatal Crash Near Armenia-El Edén Airport (HK-844)

Armenia-El Edén, ColombiaTakeoff (climb)

On December 16, 1971, a Beechcraft 80 Queen Air (registration HK-844) operated by Aerotaxi Servicios Aéreos was involved in an aviation accident near Armenia-El Edén, Colombia during takeoff. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure during initial climb. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed on hilly terrain 5 km from Armenia-El Edén Airport shortly after takeoff. The pilot lost control after encountering engine problems during initial climb, killing all nine occupants.

Incident Overview and Outcome An aircraft departed Armenia-El Edén Airport and encountered engine problems while in initial climb. The pilot elected to return to the airfield, but control of the airplane was lost. The aircraft crashed on hilly terrain located 5 km from the airfield and was totally destroyed. All nine occupants were killed. ## Official Findings The official investigation identified the probable cause as engine failure during initial climb. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or location beyond the airfield and crash site distance. No additional details regarding the specific engine failure mechanism or contributing factors are provided in the source.

Engine failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Dec 1971 Beechcraft 80 Queen Air accident near Armenia-El Edén, Colombia?

An aircraft crashed on hilly terrain 5 km from Armenia-El Edén Airport shortly after takeoff. The pilot lost control after encountering engine problems during initial climb, killing all nine occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Dec 1971 Beechcraft 80 Queen Air accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Dec 1971 involved a Beechcraft 80 Queen Air, registration HK-844, operated by Aerotaxi Servicios Aéreos, at Armenia-El Edén, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure during initial climb.

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