2 fatalities

Twin-Engine Aircraft Crashes into Sea Off Santa Marta After Engine Failure (N4959N)

Santa Marta-Simón Bolívar, ColombiaFlight

On March 12, 1978, a De Havilland DH.104 Dove (registration N4959N) operated by Aircraft Brokers was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Marta-Simón Bolívar, Colombia in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure in-flight for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft on a delivery flight experienced an engine failure and crashed into the sea near Santa Marta, Colombia, killing both occupants.

Accident Details

During a delivery flight to Colombia, the crew of a twin-engine airplane reported an engine failure to air traffic control. ATC cleared the aircraft to divert to Santa Marta-Simón Bolívar Airport for an emergency landing. Minutes later, the aircraft went out of control and crashed into the sea several kilometers off the coast of Santa Marta. The aircraft sank after impact. Both occupants of the aircraft were killed in the accident.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was an engine failure in-flight for unknown reasons.