On July 9, 1971, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration HK-1196) operated by Cessnyca was involved in an aviation accident near Medellín, Colombia during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An engine fire and subsequent explosion occurred during the final approach, causing the pilot to lose control of the aircraft. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An engine explosion during the final approach to Medellín led to a fatal crash in the suburb of Bello, resulting in one fatality.
What happened
During the final approach phase toward the runway 20 at Medellín-Enrica Olaya Herrera Airport, an engine on the aircraft experienced a fire followed by an explosion. This mechanical failure caused the pilot to lose control of the plane. The aircraft subsequently crashed in the Santa Ana suburb, located approximately 11 km before reaching the intended runway.
The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There was one fatality recorded, as the pilot was the only person on board at the time of the accident.
Findings
Investigations into the incident concluded that the primary factor leading to the loss of control was an engine fire occurring during the approach to the airport.
Probable cause
An engine fire and subsequent explosion occurred during the final approach, causing the pilot to lose control of the aircraft.