2 fatalities

Improper Cargo Loading Leads to DC-3 Crash at Condoto (HK-319)

Condoto-Mandinga, ColombiaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 15, 1964, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration HK-319) operated by Avianca was involved in an aviation accident near Condoto-Mandinga, Colombia during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The prime cause of the accident was error of other personnel inasmuch as the sequence of events leading up to the accident was initiated by faulty distribution of the cargo on board the aircraft. 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

A DC-3 returning to Medellin requested to land back at Condoto due to bad loading. On final approach, the aircraft bounced twice, climbed sharply, then crashed left wing down.

Accident Details

The DC-3 landed at Condoto at 16:48 GMT after a flight from Medellin. The aircraft was unloaded and reloaded with 9 metal drums of graphite oil, totaling 2214 kg. The aircraft, with a 11045 kg takeoff weight (1157 kg below MTOW), took off from runway 27, heading back for Medellin. Five minutes after takeoff, the pilot requested a return to Condoto because the aircraft was badly loaded.

Final Approach and Crash

The flight was cleared for a runway 27 landing, and the pilot reported on finals at 17:50. The plane touched down and bounced twice before climbing sharply. The DC-3 lost control and crashed left wing down, 480 m from the runway end.

Probable Cause

The prime cause of the accident was error of other personnel inasmuch as the sequence of events leading up to the accident was initiated by faulty distribution of the cargo on board the aircraft.