12 fatalities

Seaplane crash in Rio Caquetá following takeoff (FAC-621)

La Pedrera, ColombiaTakeoff (climb)

On November 26, 1966, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration FAC-621) operated by SATENA - Servicio de Aeronavegacion a Territorios Nacionales was involved in an aviation accident near La Pedrera, Colombia during takeoff. 12 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall during the initial climb phase after takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

A seaplane crashed into the Rio Caquetá during its initial climb after departing from La Pedrera Airport, resulting in multiple fatalities.

What happened

During a flight departing from La Pedrera Airport, an unidentified seaplane experienced a loss of control shortly after departing runway 33. While the aircraft was performing its initial climb, it entered a stall and subsequently impacted the surface of the Rio Caquetá.

The accident resulted in a high number of casualties among those on board. Out of the total occupants, 12 fatalities were recorded, while one passenger was successfully rescued from the wreckage.

Findings

  • The aircraft entered a stall during the early stages of flight.
  • The impact occurred in the Rio Caquetá river following the loss of altitude.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall during the initial climb phase after takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Nov 1966 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near La Pedrera, Colombia?

A seaplane crashed into the Rio Caquetá during its initial climb after departing from La Pedrera Airport, resulting in multiple fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Nov 1966 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 12 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Nov 1966 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration FAC-621, operated by SATENA - Servicio de Aeronavegacion a Territorios Nacionales, at La Pedrera, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall during the initial climb phase after takeoff.