Accident Details
On June 4, 1957, an aircraft operated by Aerotaxi Servicios Aéreos, registration HK-181, landed at Puerto Berrío at 0346 local time. It then departed for Medellín at 0355 local time, carrying one pilot and eight passengers. Approximately halfway along the route, at the highest point and about 8 km from Santo Domingo, the aircraft crashed into a hill at around 0420 local time.
Casualties and Damage
The impact resulted in the death of one passenger at the scene; another passenger later died in Medellín. The remaining passengers and the pilot sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.
Official Findings
The investigation concluded that the accident was caused by pilot error. The error consisted of flying too low in poor weather conditions and entering a canyon with no outlet, which forced an emergency landing on unsuitable terrain. Unfavorable weather was considered an extenuating circumstance.
Subsequent Actions
As a result of the findings, Civil Aeronautics imposed a fine of five hundred pesos ($500.00) on the pilot, payable to the National Treasury, for his responsibility in the accident involving two deaths and destruction of the aircraft. Aerotaxi Servicios Aéreos was directed to subject the pilot to a thorough evaluation before allowing him to resume flying as a taxi pilot.