What happened
On January 28, 2025, at approximately 15:00 UTC, a loss of separation in the air occurred at Olaya Herrera Airport (SKMD) in Medellín, Colombia. The incident involved a commercial ATR 42, registration HK5310, operating a scheduled passenger flight from Leticia via Bogotá to Medellín, and a military Bell Huey II helicopter, registration **EJC5422.
As the ATR 42 was on final approach to runway 02, at an altitude of approximately 200 feet and 0.4 nautical miles from the runway threshold, the Bell Huey II moved from the green zone of the Pedro Justo Berrío Battalion toward the runway 02 safety area on the left side of the runway. Following this movement, the helicopter performed a takeoff maneuver without receiving authorization from the Aerodrome Control Tower.
In response to the unauthorized movement of the helicopter, the crew of the ATR 42 executed a go-around procedure. The minimum separation recorded between the two aircraft was approximately 300 feet vertically and 0.2 nautical miles horizontally. Following the missed approach, the ATR 42 performed a new visual approach to runway 02 and landed without further incident.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation focused on analyzing radio frequency recordings and reviewing evidence provided by Air Traffic Services (ATS). The investigators also examined radar imagery, photos, and security camera footage. Additionally, coordination was established with the Colombian National Army Aviation unit to facilitate the investigation into the helicopter's unauthorized departure.