22 fatalities

1995-09-09: Casa 212 Aviocar (FAC-1152) — SATENA - Servicio de Aeronavegacion a Territorios Nacionales — La Macarena, Colombia

La Macarena, ColombiaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 9, 1995, a Casa 212 Aviocar (registration FAC-1152) operated by SATENA - Servicio de Aeronavegacion a Territorios Nacionales was involved in an aviation accident near La Macarena, Colombia during landing or approach. 22 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to realize the aircraft's altitude was insufficient during the third landing attempt. 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 1781207722Data APIEditorial standards

During a third landing attempt at La Macarena Airport in poor weather with rain and fog, an aircraft collided with a hill about 8 km from the airport and came to rest inverted. One passenger was seriously injured and 21 other occupants were killed; the sole survivor later died from injuries.

Incident Overview

While approaching La Macarena Airport, the flight crew encountered deteriorating weather conditions. Rain and fog reduced visibility significantly, preventing the crew from establishing visual contact with the airport. The crew initiated a go-around procedure to abort the first landing attempt.

Landing Attempts

Minutes later, a second attempt to land was also abandoned due to continued poor visibility. During a third landing attempt, the crew failed to monitor the aircraft's altitude adequately. The aircraft collided with a hill located approximately 8 kilometers from the airport. The impact caused the aircraft to come to rest in an inverted position.

Aftermath

Following the crash, one passenger sustained serious injuries, while 21 other occupants were killed. Several days later, the only survivor of the accident succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.

Probable cause

The crew failed to realize the aircraft's altitude was insufficient during the third landing attempt.