Aircraft crash near Medellín involving Colombian Customs personnel

20 fatalities • Mt El Boquerón, Colombia • Flight

A flight traveling from Turbo to Medellín crashed into a mountainside during its descent, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

A flight operated for the Colombian Customs Services departed from Turbo, destined for Medellín. During the descent toward the destination, while the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 9,500 feet, it collided with the slope of Mt El Boquerón. The impact occurred roughly 100 km northwest of Medellín Airport. At the time of the collision, weather conditions were poor, and the mountain peak was obscured by clouds.

Search teams located the wreckage a few hours after the incident. There were 20 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft, with no survivors reported.

Findings

The investigation determined that the crew was operating the aircraft under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) while flying in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). The primary factor leading to the accident was controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The crew attempted to fly under visual flight rules despite being in instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in a collision with the mountain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1980-11-24 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Mt El Boquerón, Colombia?

A flight traveling from Turbo to Medellín crashed into a mountainside during its descent, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1980-11-24 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 20 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1980-11-24 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration HK-1221G, operated by Colombian Government, at Mt El Boquerón, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew attempted to fly under visual flight rules despite being in instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in a collision with the mountain.

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