Overloaded Charter Flight Crashes Near Villavicencio After Engine Fire (HK-851P)

Incident Overview and Flight Details The aircraft, registered to a private individual, departed Villavicencio-La Vanguardia Airport on a charter flight to Mitú. The flight carried 17 passengers and two pilots, exceeding the aircraft's maximum certified passenger capacity of 13. The crew filed a flight plan listing only six people on board. ## Accident Sequence Shortly after takeoff, during the initial climb, the right engine caught fire. The crew activated the fire extinguishing system, but both bottles were empty, and the fire could not be contained. The captain initiated a right-hand turn to return to the airport. The aircraft then stalled and crashed, bursting into flames, two minutes after takeoff. ## Casualties and Damage Both pilots and eight passengers were killed, while nine other people were injured. The aircraft was totally destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. ## Official Findings The official probable cause was the pilot's decision and inappropriate operation to return with a right-hand turn while an uncontrolled fire burned in the number 2 engine. This led to a loss of lift on that wing and a loss of control over the aircraft. The investigation also determined that the aircraft was not airworthy at the time of the accident. The crew's flying experience could not be determined because they failed to complete their personal logbook. Additionally, the captain's medical certificate was no longer valid.