What happened
At 05:40 local time, a cargo aircraft departed from Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport, destined for Cartagena. Shortly after takeoff, the flight crew encountered an unforeseen technical or operational issue, prompting them to request authorization to return to the departure airport for an emergency landing.
During the approach to the airfield from a northwestern direction, the aircraft type struck the chimney of the Tejícondor factory situated in the Belén suburb. The impact caused the plane to enter a stall, leading to a high-impact crash and a subsequent large explosion. The accident resulted in three fatalities, consisting of both crew members and one individual on the ground.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing an emergency return following an unexpected in-flight situation.
- The primary sequence leading to the destruction of the plane involved a collision with a factory chimney during the approach phase.