27 fatalities

1974-08-12: Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (HK-508) — Avianca — Buenaventura, Colombia

Buenaventura, ColombiaFlight

On August 12, 1974, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration HK-508) operated by Avianca was involved in an aviation accident near Buenaventura, Colombia in flight. 27 people were killed. 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 1781231244Data APIEditorial standards

En route from Tumaco to Cali, an aircraft deviated from its flight plan and struck Mount Trujillo at 9,670 feet. Wreckage was found months later; all 27 occupants died.

Incident

On the morning of the accident, the crew departed Tumaco-La Florida Airport at 0825 local time, with an estimated time of arrival in Cali of 0955 local time. During the flight, the aircraft encountered poor weather conditions characterized by limited visibility due to rain. The aircraft deviated from its prescribed flight plan. While at an altitude of 9,670 feet, it struck the slope of Mount Trujillo in the Buenaventura region, approximately 75 kilometers northwest of Cali Airport.

Search and Discovery

Search and rescue operations were initiated but suspended after a few days, as no trace of the aircraft or its crew was found. The wreckage was eventually discovered in a ravine on October 31, 1974.

Aftermath

All 27 occupants of the aircraft were killed in the accident.