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Seaplane accident in Buenaventura harbor (C-406)

Buenaventura, ColombiaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 20, 1946, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration C-406) operated by VIARCO - Vias Aéreas Colombianas was involved in an aviation accident near Buenaventura, Colombia during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with a tree trunk during landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A seaplane struck a floating tree trunk while landing in the harbor of Buenaventura, resulting in loss of control and one fatality.

What happened

The incident occurred during the landing phase at the harbor of Buenaventura. As the aircraft touched down on the water surface, it collided with a floating tree trunk. This impact caused the seaplane to lose directional control immediately after touchdown. The aircraft subsequently came to rest in the water following the loss of control.

Findings

Official investigations identified the direct cause of the accident as a collision with a submerged or floating object. Specifically, the collision with a tree trunk was determined to be the primary factor leading to the loss of control and the resulting crash. The event resulted in one fatality among the occupants.

Probable cause

Collision with a tree trunk during landing.

Related events

Same operator

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