37 fatalities

Aircraft Crash on Final Approach at El Dorado Airport (HK-390)

Bogotá-El Dorado, ColombiaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 19, 1960, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration HK-390) operated by Lloyd Aéreo Colombiano - LACSA was involved in an aviation accident near Bogotá-El Dorado, Colombia during landing or approach. 37 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to take proper action to counteract the loss of speed and height in the final approach turn. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft stalled during final approach to El Dorado Airport in Bogotá, crashing short of runway 12. Thirty-seven people, including six crew members, were killed, while fourteen were evacuated.

Incident Overview During final approach to El Dorado Airport in Bogotá, the aircraft experienced a stall and crashed a few kilometers short of runway 12. Fourteen individuals were evacuated from the scene, while 37 others lost their lives. Among the fatalities were six crew members. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or exact date of the accident. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the pilot failed to take proper action to counteract the loss of speed and height during the final approach turn. Contributing factors identified by the investigation included a lack of operational control by the airlines concerned and the pilot in command's lack of experience as a transport pilot. Additionally, the investigation noted that a report from the control tower at El Dorado, which stated the runway was restricted because another aircraft had crashed in the safety zone, likely had a psychological effect on the pilot.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to take proper action to counteract the loss of speed and height in the final approach turn.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Apr 1960 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Bogotá-El Dorado, Colombia?

An aircraft stalled during final approach to El Dorado Airport in Bogotá, crashing short of runway 12. Thirty-seven people, including six crew members, were killed, while fourteen were evacuated.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Apr 1960 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 37 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Apr 1960 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration HK-390, operated by Lloyd Aéreo Colombiano - LACSA, at Bogotá-El Dorado, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to take proper action to counteract the loss of speed and height in the final approach turn.