Aircraft impact in San Jeronimo Mountain Range during approach to Villavicencio

9 fatalities • Villavicencio, Colombia • Landing (descent or approach)

A flight approaching Villavicencio-La Vanguardia Airport crashed into a mountain slope during a go-around procedure following poor visibility.

What happened

During an approach to runway 04 at Villavicense-La Vanguardia Airport, the flight crew encountered challenging meteorological conditions characterized by heavy rainfall and visibility reduced to approximately 1,000 metres. After the aircraft passed the designated missed approach point, the crew failed to achieve visual contact with the runway environment. In response to the lack of visibility, a go-around was initiated.

During this maneuver, the aircraft collided with the terrain on a slope within the San Jeronimo Mountain Range. The impact occurred roughly 5 km north of the threshold for runway 22. The collision resulted in the total disintegration of the aircraft. There were 9 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.

Findings

  • The flight was operating in heavy rain and significantly degraded visibility.
  • The crew was unable to maintain visual references with the runway after passing the missed approach point.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck mountainous terrain during a go-around maneuver initiated due to poor visibility and heavy rain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-05-09 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Villavicencio, Colombia?

A flight approaching Villavicencio-La Vanguardia Airport crashed into a mountain slope during a go-around procedure following poor visibility.

Were there any fatalities in the 1995-05-09 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-05-09 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration HK-3079-G, operated by Cooperativa Interregional de Colombia (COINCO), at Villavicencio, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck mountainous terrain during a go-around maneuver initiated due to poor visibility and heavy rain.

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