No fatalities

Aircraft Undercarriage Collapse at Puerto Inírida Airport (HK-1856)

Puerto Inírida, ColombiaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 30, 1994, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration HK-1856) operated by Líneas Aéreas Suramericanas was involved in an aviation accident near Puerto Inírida, Colombia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Following heavy rain falls, the runway surface became soft and the aircraft 'sank' upon landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft suffered a total loss after its undercarriage collapsed upon landing at Puerto Inírida Airport due to soft runway conditions caused by heavy rain. All three crew members escaped without injury.

Incident Overview

A significant aviation incident occurred during the landing phase at Puerto Inírida Airport. The aircraft experienced a catastrophic failure of its undercarriage immediately upon touchdown. As a result of this structural collapse, the airframe came to rest on its belly. The impact and subsequent damage rendered the aircraft beyond repair, resulting in a total loss of the airframe.

Casualties and Safety

Despite the severity of the structural damage to the aircraft, the safety of the personnel on board was preserved. All three crew members successfully evacuated the wreckage. Reports confirm that none of the individuals sustained any injuries during the event or the subsequent escape from the damaged fuselage.

Contributing Factors

The official investigation identified environmental conditions as the primary factor leading to the accident. Prior to the incident, the area experienced heavy rainfall. This precipitation caused the runway surface to become soft and unstable. When the aircraft made contact with the ground during landing, the weakened pavement could not support the weight of the airframe. Consequently, the aircraft sank into the surface, which triggered the collapse of the undercarriage and the subsequent belly landing.

Probable cause

Following heavy rain falls, the runway surface became soft and the aircraft 'sank' upon landing.