5 fatalities

1999-04-08: De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (HK-2760) — Aerotaca Colombia - Aerotaxi Casanare — Málaga, Colombia

Málaga, ColombiaFlight

On April 8, 1999, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration HK-2760) operated by Aerotaca Colombia - Aerotaxi Casanare was involved in an aviation accident near Málaga, Colombia in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the crew continued the descent under VFR mode in IMC conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781204450Data APIEditorial standards

While descending to Málaga Airport in marginal weather, a aircraft deviated from the approach path, entered a valley, and struck Mt La Carbonera at 8,100 feet. The five occupants were killed.

Incident Overview

During a descent to Málaga Airport, a aircraft encountered marginal weather conditions, characterized by low clouds and strong winds. The aircraft deviated from the prescribed approach path and entered a valley, where the crew lost orientation in clouds. At an altitude of 8,100 feet, the aircraft struck the slope of Mt La Carbonera, which was shrouded in clouds. All five occupants on board were killed.

Flight Path Deviation

While descending, the aircraft deviated from the prescribed approach path. The crew entered a valley and subsequently lost orientation in clouds. The aircraft continued its descent under visual flight rules (VFR) mode while flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).

Terrain Collision

The aircraft struck the slope of Mt La Carbonera at an altitude of 8,100 feet. The mountain was covered in clouds at the time of the collision. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of all five occupants.

Official Findings

The probable cause of the accident was determined to be controlled flight into terrain after the crew continued the descent under VFR mode in IMC conditions.