What happened
On December 8, 2000, at approximately 09:15 local time, a Cessna T303, registered as HK-3778, was operating a non-scheduled passenger flight from El Dorado Airport in Bogotá toward Mariquita, Tolima. While performing its descent, the aircraft struck the terrain at coordinates 04°53'56'' N and 74°34'12'' W, located near the town of Viani in the department of Cundinamarca.
The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were no other injuries or property damage reported outside of the airframe.
The investigation
The preliminary investigation conducted by the GRIAA established that the accident occurred during daylight hours. The aircraft was operated by Viana Ltda. The investigation confirmed that the flight was a non-commercial, general aviation operation. The crash resulted in 8 fatalities, consisting of the pilot and seven passengers.
Findings
- The aircraft impacted the ground during the descent phase of the flight.
- The primary cause of the accident was the impact with the terrain during the approach to the destination.