7 fatalities

Fatal aircraft accident near Bucaramanga-Gómez Niño Airport (FAC-653)

Bucaramanga-Gomez Niño, ColombiaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 21, 1971, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration FAC-653) operated by Colombian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Colombiana was involved in an aviation accident near Bucaramanga-Gomez Niño, Colombia during landing or approach. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck a mountainside while performing an approach to the airport. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside during its approach to Bucaramanga-Gómez Niño Airport, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During the final approach phase toward Bucaramanga-Gómez Niño Airport, the aircraft impacted the terrain at Mt La Judia. The collision occurred approximately 11 km east of the airport's landing strip. The impact with the mountainside resulted in the total destruction of the airframe.

There were seven fatalities recorded following the crash, as all individuals on board perished in the accident.

Findings

Investigation details regarding the specific mechanical or operational failures are not specified; however, the primary factor in the accident was the impact with the slope of Mt La Judia during the approach to the airfield.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountainside while performing an approach to the airport.