On October 9, 1951, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration FAC-616) operated by Colombian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Colombiana was involved in an aviation accident near Puerto Leguízamo, Colombia during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck an underwater sandbank during its takeoff roll from the river. 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.
A seaplane crashed into a sandbank during takeoff from the Río Putumayo, resulting in one fatality.
What happened
During a takeoff maneuver from the Río Putumayo in Puerto Leguízamo, an unidentified seaplane struck a sandbank, leading to a crash. The aircraft was operating a scheduled flight originating from Madrid AFB in Bogotá, with several planned stops before reaching its final destination of Leticia. At the time of the accident, the plane was transporting military personnel along with various pieces of equipment and mail.
Findings
The impact with a submerged sandbank during the takeoff phase caused the accident.
The crash resulted in one fatality involving the pilot.
All other passengers and crew members on board were successfully rescued without further injury.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck an underwater sandbank during its takeoff roll from the river.