Cargo aircraft crash near Barrancabermeja-Yariguíes Airport

2 fatalities • Barrancabermeja-Yariguíes, Colombia • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight operating between Barranquilla and Pereira crashed during an emergency approach to Barrancabermeja following a left engine failure.

What happened

During a scheduled cargo operation traveling from Barranquilla toward Pereira, the flight crew encountered a mechanical emergency involving the failure of the aircraft's left engine. After notifying air traffic control of the situation, the pilots received authorization to divert to Barrancabermeja-Yariguíes Airport for an unplanned landing.

While performing the final approach and executing a turn toward the operating engine, the aircraft type experienced a loss of control. The plane entered an aerodynamic stall and descended into a field situated approximately 3 km from the threshold of runway 03. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe and the deaths of both pilots.

Findings

Investigations determined that the primary mechanical issue was a hydraulic leak, which led to the failure of the left engine. During the emergency maneuver, the crew attempted a sharp turn toward the side of the failed engine at a low altitude. Because the aircraft was carrying a heavy load and lacked sufficient airspeed during this maneuver, it succumbed to an aerodynamic stall.

Probable cause

A hydraulic leak caused engine failure, which subsequently led to an aerodynamic stall during a low-speed, high-load turn.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1973-02-21 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Barrancabermeja-Yariguíes, Colombia?

A cargo flight operating between Barranquilla and Pereira crashed during an emergency approach to Barrancabermeja following a left engine failure.

Were there any fatalities in the 1973-02-21 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1973-02-21 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration N10427, operated by Joanne Fashions, at Barrancabermeja-Yariguíes, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A hydraulic leak caused engine failure, which subsequently led to an aerodynamic stall during a low-speed, high-load turn.

Loading the flight search…