On March 7, 1997, a Cessna 500 Citation (registration HK-3885) operated by Aerotaxi del Oriente was involved in an aviation accident near La Felisa, Colombia during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In-flight braking and subsequent separation of both wing tips due to positive wing loading imposed by the unqualified crew exceeding the structural limit stipulated by the manufacturer. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft crashed near La Felisa after an uncontrolled descent following an emergency declared by the copilot. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were killed. The probable cause was in-flight wing tip separation due to structural overload.
Incident Summary
Shortly after takeoff from Pereira-Matecaña Airport, while climbing, the copilot declared an emergency and reported problems. The aircraft subsequently entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed near La Felisa. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were killed.
Accident Details
The accident occurred during the climb phase following departure from Pereira-Matecaña Airport. The copilot communicated an emergency and reported unspecified problems. Soon after, the aircraft lost control and descended uncontrollably before impacting the ground near La Felisa. The impact destroyed the aircraft and resulted in the death of both pilots.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The investigation determined the probable cause to be: "In-flight braking and subsequent separation of both wing tips due to positive wing loading imposed by the unqualified crew exceeding the structural limit stipulated by the manufacturer."
What happened in the 7 Mar 1997 Cessna 500 Citation accident near La Felisa, Colombia?
An aircraft crashed near La Felisa after an uncontrolled descent following an emergency declared by the copilot. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were killed. The probable cause was in-flight wing tip separation due to structural overload.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Mar 1997 Cessna 500 Citation accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Mar 1997 involved a Cessna 500 Citation, registration HK-3885, operated by Aerotaxi del Oriente, at La Felisa, Colombia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
In-flight braking and subsequent separation of both wing tips due to positive wing loading imposed by the unqualified crew exceeding the structural limit stipulated by the manufacturer.
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