On August 4, 1982, a Boeing 727-100 (registration HK-2559) operated by Aerotal Colombia - Aerolineas Territoriales de Colombia was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Marta-Simón Bolívar, Colombia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to realize that the aircraft's altitude was insufficient, resulting in impact with the ground short of the runway threshold. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
On final approach to Santa Marta-Simón Bolívar Airport, the crew did not realize the altitude was insufficient. The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway, bounced, landed hard, and the left main gear partially detached. All 50 occupants evacuated safely; aircraft damaged beyond repair.
Accident Overview
During final approach to Santa Marta-Simón Bolívar Airport, the crew failed to detect that the aircraft's altitude was too low. The airplane impacted the ground several dozen meters before the runway threshold, then bounced and touched down hard on the runway. The left main landing gear was partially torn off upon touchdown. The aircraft became uncontrollable, veered left off the runway, and came to a stop.
Evacuation and Damage
All 50 occupants aboard evacuated safely. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Cause
The crew did not realize that the aircraft's altitude was insufficient during the approach, leading to flight into terrain short of the runway.
Probable cause
The crew failed to realize that the aircraft's altitude was insufficient, resulting in impact with the ground short of the runway threshold.
