No fatalities

Technical Problems Force Emergency Landing, Aircraft Written Off (FAC-669)

Bogotá-El Dorado, ColombiaTakeoff (climb)

On January 31, 1970, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration FAC-669) operated by Colombian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Colombiana was involved in an aviation accident near Bogotá-El Dorado, Colombia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Undetermined technical problems with engines and propellers during takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

Soon after takeoff, propeller issues prompted an emergency landing. The aircraft crash landed in a grassy area near the runway, losing its engines. All 15 occupants escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was written off.

Incident Overview

Shortly after departing, while climbing to an altitude of 50 meters, the flight crew experienced technical difficulties with the propellers. In response, they decided to perform an emergency landing. The aircraft subsequently crash landed in a grassy area adjacent to the runway. During the landing, the engines separated from the airframe, and the aircraft came to a stop.

All 15 people on board evacuated without injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was declared a total loss.

Probable Cause

Investigation determined that the accident resulted from undetermined technical problems with the engines and propellers that occurred during takeoff. No further specifics were provided regarding the exact nature of the malfunctions.