No fatalities

Aircraft crash in Plato region during unauthorized flight (N6814C)

Plato, ColombiaFlight

On December 20, 1979, a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III (registration N6814C) operated by Horizon Partners was involved in an aviation accident near Plato, Colombia in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crash occurred during an unauthorized and illegal flight operation in mountainous terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N6814C
Aircraft registered N6814C. Photo: RuthAS / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An aircraft crashed into a mountain in the Plato region while performing an undocumented flight, resulting in serious injuries to both people on board.

What happened

During an unauthorized aerial operation, an unidentified aircraft struck a mountain located within the Plato region. The incident occurred while the aircraft was engaged in what has been described as an illegal flight mission. Following the impact with the terrain, the aircraft sustained significant damage.

There were two people on board at the time of the accident. Both occupants sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash. Emergency response efforts were required to address the casualties following the mountain collision.

Findings

Preliminary information indicates that the flight was being conducted without proper authorization. The primary factor contributing to the accident was the unlawful nature of the flight operation within the Plato region.

Probable cause

The crash occurred during an unauthorized and illegal flight operation in mountainous terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Dec 1979 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident near Plato, Colombia?

An aircraft crashed into a mountain in the Plato region while performing an undocumented flight, resulting in serious injuries to both people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Dec 1979 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Dec 1979 involved a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III, registration N6814C, operated by Horizon Partners, at Plato, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crash occurred during an unauthorized and illegal flight operation in mountainous terrain.