What happened
On January 9, 2024, a Cessna T303, registration HK4790, departed from Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellín, destined for Mandinga Aerodrome in Condoto, Chocó. The flight, operated as non-scheduled air transport, carried a crew of two and three passengers. While flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in good meteorological conditions, the aircraft performed an unauthorized and unnecessary descent.
As the aircraft approached the destination, the crew descended significantly below safe regulatory altitudes. While traversing the San Juan River near the Mojarra 1 sector, the aircraft struck four medium-voltage electrical cables located approximately 55 feet (17 meters) above the ground. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft, including the vertical stabilizer, pitot tubes, and the right wing leading edge, while leaving electrical wires entangled in the number one engine propeller. Despite the impact, the crew managed to land the aircraft at Mandinga Aerodrome. All 5 occupants survived the event without injuries.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation established that the crew's initial account—claiming they felt a sudden impact while at 2,000 to 2,500 feet—was inconsistent with GPS data and field evidence. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft had intentionally descended to an unsafe altitude while following the riverbed.
Investigators found that the aircraft's mechanical condition and maintenance records were up to date, and the crew held valid licenses. However, the investigation highlighted that the operator, AEROPACA S.A.S, lacked a proper risk assessment for the route and failed to provide adequate pre-flight meteorological information to the crew. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the impact caused a local power outage and property damage to nearby residents.