36 fatalities

1976-10-25: Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (HK-149) — Taxi Aéreo El Venado — Yopal, Colombia

Yopal, ColombiaTakeoff (climb)

On October 25, 1976, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration HK-149) operated by Taxi Aéreo El Venado was involved in an aviation accident near Yopal, Colombia during takeoff. 36 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the left engine during the initial climb phase caused a loss of control and subsequent crash. 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 1781228742Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed following an engine failure shortly after departing Yopal Airport, resulting in no survivors among the 36 occupants.

What happened

During a departure from Yopal Airport, an aircraft experienced a mechanical failure involving its left engine while performing its initial climb. This loss of power led to a significant roll toward the left side of the aircraft. As the plane lost stability, the tip of the left wing made contact with the ground.

The subsequent loss of control caused the aircraft to cartwheel across the terrain. The impact resulted in a post-crash fire that consumed the wreckage. There were 36 fatalities recorded among the passengers and crew on board during the accident.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the primary factor was the failure of the left engine immediately following takeoff. The specific underlying reason for this engine malfunction has not been established.

Probable cause

The failure of the left engine during the initial climb phase caused a loss of control and subsequent crash.