Fatal training flight accident at Mariquita Airport

5 fatalities • Mariquita, Colombia • Takeoff (climb)

A training flight involving a four-person crew ended in a fatal crash near Mariquita Airport after a wingtip struck the ground during an initial climb.

What happened

A training mission originating from Girardot Airport resulted in a fatal accident near the Mariquita Airport. The flight was conducting instructional maneuvers, specifically completing nine touch-and-go operations at the destination airfield. Following the completion of these maneuvers, the crew attempted to begin a new local circuit.

During the initial climb phase of this maneuver, the pilot-in-command executed a sharp left-hand turn. During this turn, the tip of the left wing made contact with the ground. The resulting impact caused the aircraft to crash in the vicinity of the airport. The force of the collision and a subsequent fire following the impact led to the total destruction of the aircraft.

Findings

The accident resulted in five fatalities, consisting of all four crew members on board the aircraft and one person located on the ground. The primary factor leading to the crash was the wingtip striking the terrain during a steep turn while climbing.

Probable cause

The aircraft's left wing struck the ground during an aggressive left turn during the initial climb phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1982-12-12 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Mariquita, Colombia?

A training flight involving a four-person crew ended in a fatal crash near Mariquita Airport after a wingtip struck the ground during an initial climb.

Were there any fatalities in the 1982-12-12 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1982-12-12 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration HK-2580, operated by Transportes Aéreos Latinoamericanos - TALA Colombia, at Mariquita, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft's left wing struck the ground during an aggressive left turn during the initial climb phase.

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