31 fatalities

1962-04-06: Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (FAC-563) — Colombian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Colombiana — Apiay AFB (Villavicencio), Colombia

Apiay AFB (Villavicencio), ColombiaFlight

On April 6, 1962, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration FAC-563) operated by Colombian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Colombiana was involved in an aviation accident near Apiay AFB (Villavicencio), Colombia in flight. 31 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined the aircraft was off track by 10° at the time of the accident, probably due to strong winds. The lack of efficient navigation systems along the route was considered as a contributing factor, as well as the poor weather conditions. 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 1781244882Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on a special flight from Araracuara to Apiay AFB carrying convicts and guards struck a mountain during approach, killing all 31 occupants. Investigation cited off-track deviation due to strong winds and lack of navigation aids.

Accident Details

The aircraft was completing a special flight from Araracuara to Apiay Air Force Base, transporting convicts who had been released on parole, escorted by prison guards. While approaching Apiay under marginal weather conditions at an altitude of 11,500 feet, the airplane struck the slope of a mountain and disintegrated upon impact. All 31 occupants were killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the aircraft was off track by 10 degrees at the time of the accident, a deviation likely caused by strong winds. The absence of efficient navigation systems along the route was identified as a contributing factor, along with the poor weather conditions prevailing at the time.

Probable Cause

It was determined the aircraft was off track by 10° at the time of the accident, probably due to strong winds. The lack of efficient navigation systems along the route was considered as a contributing factor, as well as the poor weather conditions.