2 fatalities

Aircraft impact near El Poleo during approach (HK-2920)

El Poleo, ColombiaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 11, 1987, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration HK-2920) operated by Aeroejecutivos Colombia - Aeroservicios Ejecutivos de Colombia was involved in an aviation accident near El Poleo, Colombia during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck terrain because it was flying at an insufficient altitude during an approach characterized by poor visibility. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-13Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into a hillside during its final approach to El Poleo due to low visibility and insufficient altitude.

What happened

During the final approach phase toward El Poleo, the flight crew encountered significantly reduced visibility caused by adverse weather conditions. As the aircraft descended on its final approach, it maintained an altitude that was too low for the terrain. Consequently, the aircraft collided with the summit of a hill situated a short distance from the intended landing site.

As a result of the impact, there were two fatalities among the crew members, including both pilots. The remaining seven passengers on board were successfully recovered from the wreckage without further injury.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck terrain because it was flying at an insufficient altitude during an approach characterized by poor visibility.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Oct 1987 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near El Poleo, Colombia?

An aircraft crashed into a hillside during its final approach to El Poleo due to low visibility and insufficient altitude.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Oct 1987 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Oct 1987 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration HK-2920, operated by Aeroejecutivos Colombia - Aeroservicios Ejecutivos de Colombia, at El Poleo, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck terrain because it was flying at an insufficient altitude during an approach characterized by poor visibility.