Incident Overview
On February 23, 2026, at 14:24 local time, a Cessna 402C with registration HK5245 was involved in a serious incident during a takeoff attempt from Aeródromo Reyes Murillo (SKNQ) in Nuquí, Chocó, Colombia. The aircraft was operating as a non-scheduled passenger transport service and carried two crew members and six passengers.
Operational Context
The flight originated from Olaya Herrera Airport (SKMD) in Medellín. After completing earlier legs to Bahía Solano and back to Medellín, the aircraft departed SKMD at 13:07 local time and arrived at SKNQ at 13:53. At Nuquí, six passengers boarded, 278 kg of cargo was loaded, and 70 gallons of fuel were added. For the subsequent leg to Quibdó (SKUI), the co-pilot served as the Pilot Flying (PF) and the pilot as the Pilot Monitoring (PM).
Sequence of Events
The aircraft lined up on Runway 23 and applied maximum power for takeoff. According to crew statements, at approximately 80 knots indicated airspeed, the pilot observed a possible fluctuation in the left engine's manifold pressure indication. The pilot immediately reduced power levers and instinctively pulled back on the control column, causing the aircraft to bounce twice. A braking maneuver was then initiated.
Due to inertia and the imminent risk of overrunning the runway end, the pilot steered the aircraft toward the right side of the runway threshold. The aircraft exited the paved surface, entered the safety area, traveled a short distance, and came to a stop. All occupants evacuated without injury. Minor damage was noted on the right wingtip fairing.
Investigation Findings
The aircraft was found resting on its landing gear 37 meters from the right side of Runway 05's threshold. Initial inspections revealed no visible damage to the wheels, landing gear structure, or propeller blades. Technical inspections of the left engine showed no apparent mechanical faults. Functional tests conducted at 2,700 RPM recorded manifold pressures between 39.5 and 40 inches, within normal operating limits. No anomalies were detected in either engine during testing.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation by Colombia's Accident Investigation Authority (DIACC) is focusing on the crew's operational procedures, specifically the abort technique, as well as performance charts and weight-and-balance analysis for the operation.