2 fatalities

Cargo Flight Crashes Near Barrancabermeja After Left Engine Failure (N10427)

Barrancabermeja-Yariguíes, ColombiaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 21, 1973, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration N10427) operated by Joanne Fashions was involved in an aviation accident near Barrancabermeja-Yariguíes, Colombia during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left engine caused by a hydraulic leak. The loss of control was caused by an aerodynamic stall consecutive to an insufficient speed while making a sharp turn to the side of the dead engine at a relative low height and with a heavily loaded… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight from Barranquilla to Pereira diverted to Barrancabermeja after left engine failure but stalled and crashed 3 km from runway 03. Both pilots were killed.

Accident Overview

A cargo flight en route from Barranquilla to Pereira experienced a left engine failure, prompting the crew to inform air traffic control and request a diversion to Barrancabermeja-Yariguíes Airport for an emergency landing.

Final Approach and Loss of Control

During the approach, while completing the last turn toward the side of the failed engine, the crew lost control of the aircraft. The airplane stalled and subsequently crashed in a field located 3 kilometers from the threshold of runway 03.

Damage and Fatalities

The aircraft was destroyed in the accident. Both pilots on board were killed.

Official Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the failure of the left engine was caused by a hydraulic leak. The loss of control resulted from an aerodynamic stall, which occurred due to insufficient speed while the aircraft executed a sharp turn toward the side of the dead engine at a relatively low altitude and with a heavily loaded aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

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

A cargo flight from Barranquilla to Pereira diverted to Barrancabermeja after left engine failure but stalled and crashed 3 km from runway 03. Both pilots were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Feb 1973 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 21 Feb 1973 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration N10427, operated by Joanne Fashions, at Barrancabermeja-Yariguíes, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the left engine caused by a hydraulic leak. The loss of control was caused by an aerodynamic stall consecutive to an insufficient speed while making a sharp turn to the side of the dead engine at a relative low height and with a heavily loaded aircraft.