14 fatalities

Engine Overspeed Precedes Crash in Puerto López (HK-1270)

Puerto López, ColombiaFlight

On February 12, 1970, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration HK-1270) operated by Lineas Aéreas La Urraca was involved in an aviation accident near Puerto López, Colombia in flight. 14 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Technical problems with the left engine in flight for undetermined reason. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 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

A scheduled flight from Villavicencio to Puerto Inírida suffered a left engine overspeed about 55 minutes after departure. The crew attempted to return, but the aircraft crashed in Puerto López, killing 13 occupants and seriously injuring one passenger, who died three days later.

Departure and Initial Flight

The aircraft departed Villavicencio-La Vanguardia Airport at 0620 local time on a scheduled flight to Puerto Inírida.

Engine Overspeed and Decision to Return

Approximately 55 minutes into the flight, the left engine oversped. The crew decided to return to Villavicencio.

Accident Sequence

About 23 minutes after the decision to return, the aircraft crashed in Puerto López.

Casualties and Survivors

One passenger was seriously injured. Thirteen other occupants were killed. Three days after the accident, the only survivor died from his injuries.

Probable Cause

Official findings state the probable cause as technical problems with the left engine in flight for undetermined reason.