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C-47A HK-502 Crashes in Colombian Mountains

Marulanda, ColombiaFlight

On February 25, 1962, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration HK-502) operated by Avianca was involved in an aviation accident near Marulanda, Colombia in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was due to the faulty procedure on the part of the pilot who made the en route climb from Manizales to San Felix at a low altitude, so that the aircraft became trapped in a canyon and crashed in the San Felix pass at La Aguadita after stalling… 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 Douglas C-47A on a cargo flight from Manizales to Bogotá crashed in the San Felix pass after the pilot stalled during a turn at low altitude, killing both crew members.

Accident Details

On a non-scheduled domestic flight, Douglas C-47A registration HK-502 departed Manizales Airport (elevation 3,380 feet) at 1404 local time with two crew members and a load of cargo. The flight was destined for Bogotá (elevation 8,355 feet).

Flight History

At 1420 LT, HK-502 reported its position over San Felix at an altitude of 12,500 feet and estimated reaching Cambao at 1433 LT. At 1435 LT, the crew declared an emergency. Immediately after this radio transmission, the aircraft crashed into a mountain.

Accident Site

The accident site was located approximately 32 miles from Manizales on a bearing of 300°. The Salamina authorities reported the accident at 1440 LT. Both occupants were killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the accident was due to faulty procedure on the part of the pilot. The pilot made the en route climb from Manizales to San Felix at a low altitude, causing the aircraft to become trapped in a canyon. It crashed in the San Felix pass at La Aguadita after stalling during a turn at 9,000 feet.

Probable cause

The accident was due to the faulty procedure on the part of the pilot who made the en route climb from Manizales to San Felix at a low altitude, so that the aircraft became trapped in a canyon and crashed in the San Felix pass at La Aguadita after stalling during a turn at 9,000 feet.
Loss of control in flight

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