Twin-engine aircraft crash during emergency diversion near Santa Marta

2 fatalities • Santa Marta-Simón Bolívar, Colombia • Flight

A delivery flight en route to Colombia crashed into the sea following an engine failure and an unsuccessful attempt to divert to Santa Marta.

What happened

During a delivery flight destined for Colombia, the crew of a twin-engine airplane experienced an engine malfunction while in flight. After encountering the mechanical issue, the flight crew contacted Air Traffic Control to report the failure and requested permission to perform an emergency landing at Santa Marta-Simón Bolívar Airport.

While attempting to reach the diversion airfield, the aircraft lost control and descended into the ocean a few kilometers from the coast of Santa Marta. The impact resulted in the aircraft sinking beneath the surface. There were two fatalities among the occupants of the plane.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the accident was precipitated by an engine failure during flight, though the specific underlying reason for the mechanical malfunction remains undetermined.

Probable cause

An unidentified cause led to an in-flight engine failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-03-12 De Havilland DH.104 Dove accident near Santa Marta-Simón Bolívar, Colombia?

A delivery flight en route to Colombia crashed into the sea following an engine failure and an unsuccessful attempt to divert to Santa Marta.

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-03-12 De Havilland DH.104 Dove accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1978-03-12 involved a De Havilland DH.104 Dove, registration N4959N, operated by Aircraft Brokers, at Santa Marta-Simón Bolívar, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An unidentified cause led to an in-flight engine failure.

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