Helicopter Crash in Colombia's Serranía de Abibe Claims Three Fatalities

Casualties unknown • Chigorodó, CO

A Bell 206-L1 helicopter crashed into mountainous terrain in Antioquia, resulting in the deaths of the pilot and two passengers during a visual flight operation.

What happened

On March 30, 2016, a Bell 206-L1 helicopter, registration HK5049, operated by Helifly S.A.S., was performing a non-scheduled cargo transport flight from Riosucio, Chocó, to Caucasia, Antioquia. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and two passengers.

After departing Riosucio at approximately 09:20 local time, the pilot provided a position report indicating an intended arrival at Puerto Libertador. However, following this communication, the aircraft ceased all contact with air traffic services. A search operation involving the company's emergency response team and military forces lasted several days. On April 3, 2016, the wreckage was located on the western slope of the Serranía de Abibe. The impact and subsequent post-crash fire resulted in three fatalities.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-03-30 206L1 accident near Chigorodó, CO?

A Bell 206-L1 helicopter crashed into mountainous terrain in Antioquia, resulting in the deaths of the pilot and two passengers during a visual flight operation.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-03-30 involved a 206L1, registration HK5049, at Chigorodó, CO.

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