8 fatalities

1978-07-16: Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (FAC-680) — Colombian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Colombiana — Mt Kennedy, Colombia

Mt Kennedy, ColombiaFlight

On July 16, 1978, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration FAC-680) operated by Colombian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Colombiana was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Kennedy, Colombia in flight. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain. 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 1781226434Data APIEditorial standards

A C-47 aircraft struck the slope of Mount Kennedy in low clouds near Santa Marta, Colombia, killing all eight occupants. The flight was en route from Riohacha to Bogotá with intermediate stops.

Accident Details

On a flight from Riohacha Airport to Bogotá with intermediate stops in Santa Marta and Barranquilla, a C-47 aircraft impacted the slope of Mount Kennedy. The accident occurred approximately five minutes before the estimated time of arrival, while the aircraft was cruising in low clouds. Mount Kennedy is located about 22 km east of Santa Marta-Simon Bolivár Airport. The wreckage was discovered in an isolated area three days later. All eight occupants were killed.

Aircraft and Flight Information

The aircraft, a C-47, departed Riohacha Airport at 1615 local time. The flight was scheduled to stop in Santa Marta and Barranquilla before continuing to Bogotá. The exact registration and operator of the aircraft are not specified in the source.

Occupants

The crew consisted of six members: Captain Jaime Sánchez Tocarruncho (pilot), Lieutenant Ramon Villanueva Rodriguez (copilot), Captain Jose Orlando Moscoso Valencia (navigator), Captain Edra Rincón TAvera (navigator), Ezequiel Prada Rueda (mechanic), and Omar Hernán Linares Rifaldo (mechanic). The two passengers were 1st Lieutenant Guillermo Leon Valencia Obando and Sergeant Ramiro Waldo Giraldo Ramirez.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause as controlled flight into terrain.