9 fatalities

1995-05-09: Curtiss C-46 Commando (HK-3079-G) — Cooperativa Interregional de Colombia (COINCO) — Villavicencio, Colombia

Villavicencio, ColombiaLanding (descent or approach)

On May 9, 1995, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration HK-3079-G) operated by Cooperativa Interregional de Colombia (COINCO) was involved in an aviation accident near Villavicencio, Colombia during landing or approach. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of situational awareness on part of the crew after he deviated from the standard approach procedures. The lack of visibility was considered as a contributing factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781208004Data APIEditorial standards

During approach to Villavicencio-La Vanguardia Airport in heavy rain and limited visibility, the crew deviated from standard procedures, lost situational awareness, and struck a mountain during a go-around, killing all 9 occupants.

Accident

On approach to Villavicencio-La Vanguardia Airport's runway 04, the flight crew encountered poor weather conditions characterized by heavy rain and visibility reduced to 1,000 meters. After passing the missed approach point without establishing visual contact with the runway, the crew initiated a go-around procedure. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain in the San Jeronimo Mountain Range, approximately 5 kilometers north of the runway 22 threshold. The collision caused the aircraft to disintegrate, and all nine occupants sustained fatal injuries.

Investigation

The official investigation determined that the crew deviated from standard approach procedures, leading to a loss of situational awareness. The lack of visibility was identified as a contributing factor to the accident. No other contributing factors were cited in the findings.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the accident was loss of situational awareness on the part of the crew after deviating from the standard approach procedures, with the lack of visibility considered a contributing factor.