What happened
During a mission for the US Government involving an anti-narcotics program, a single-engine aircraft was performing survey operations over the Florencia region. The flight was transporting five people, consisting of four US citizens and one Colombian national. While cruising at an altitude of 5,000 feet, approximately eight minutes before reaching its destination in Floriencia, the aircraft experienced a total engine failure.
In response to the loss of power, the crew initiated an emergency descent to find a suitable landing site. During this phase, the aircraft struck a mountain slope near El Para and caught fire. Although all five individuals on board survived the initial impact, the situation escalated when FARC militants arrived at the crash site. The insurgents killed both pilots and took the remaining three passengers into custody.
Findings
- The primary mechanical issue was an engine failure during the cruise phase of flight.
- The crew's attempt at an emergency landing resulted in a mountain slope impact.
- The survival of the occupants following the crash was followed by a violent encounter with armed militants.