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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data 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.