1966-11-26: Consolidated PBY Catalina (FAC-621) — SATENA - Servicio de Aeronavegacion a Territorios Nacionales — La Pedrera, Colombia

12 fatalitiesLa Pedrera, ColombiaTakeoff (climb)

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.