What happened
On February 23, 2026, at 14:24 local time, a Cessna 402C, registration HK5245, was performing a non-scheduled passenger flight at Reyes Murillo Aerodrome (SKNQ) in Nuquí, Colombia. The aircraft was operating a multi-leg itinerary that had previously included flights between Medellín and Bahía Solano.
During the takeoff roll on runway 23, the crew applied maximum power. As the aircraft reached approximately 80 knots indicated airspeed, the pilot observed what appeared to be a fluctuation in the manifold pressure indication of the left engine. In response, the pilot immediately reduced power and applied aft elevator control, which caused the aircraft to bounce twice on the runway. The crew then initiated braking procedures. Due to the aircraft's remaining momentum, it could not be stopped within the runway limits, resulting in an excursion to the right side of the runway end. The aircraft came to a stop within the safety area, sustaining only minor damage to the right wingtip cowling. All eight occupants—two crew members and six passengers—evacuated the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The Colombian accident investigation authority (DIACC) conducted a field inspection at the site, noting the aircraft was positioned 37 meters from the threshold of runway 05. Initial visual inspections of the landing gear and propellers showed no evidence of damage or sudden stoppage.
Upon moving the aircraft to a ramp for a more detailed examination, investigators and technical personnel inspected the left engine, which the pilot had identified as having the suspected pressure fluctuation. The inspection revealed no visible damage or malfunctions in the engine components. Subsequent functional tests were performed on both engines, with the left engine reaching 2,700 RPM and maintaining manifold pressure between 39.5 and 40 in, within normal operating ranges. No operational anomalies were detected during these tests.
Findings
- The pilot's instinctive application of aft elevator control during the aborted takeoff caused the aircraft to bounce twice on the runway.
- There was no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction in the left engine following technical inspections and functional testing.
- The aircraft excursion was driven by the momentum of the aircraft during the aborted takeoff maneuver.