On November 24, 1980, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration HK-1221G) operated by Colombian Government was involved in an aviation accident near Mt El Boquerón, Colombia in flight. 20 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew was flying under VFR mode in IMC when the airplane struck the mountain. Controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An airplane en route from Turbo to Medellín struck Mt El Boquerón while descending in marginal weather, killing all 20 occupants including Colombian Customs employees.
Accident Overview
An airplane departed Turbo, Colombia, on a flight to Medellín, carrying employees of the Colombian Customs Services (Direccion General de Aduanas). While descending to an altitude of 9,500 feet in marginal weather conditions, the airplane struck the slope of Mt El Boquerón, located approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Medellín Airport. The wreckage was found a few hours later. All 20 occupants were killed. At the time of the accident, the mountain was shrouded by clouds.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. The crew was flying under visual flight rules (VFR) mode in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) when the airplane struck the mountain. This occurrence is classified as controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).