What happened
On the afternoon of the accident, a Douglas C-47A, registration HK-502, was performing an unscheduled domestic transport mission from Manizales Airport to Bogotá. The flight, operated with a crew of two and carrying cargo, departed Manizales at 14:04 local time.
At 14:20 local time, the crew transmitted their position, noting they were over San Felix at an altitude of 12,500 feet and projected an arrival at Cambao by 14:33. However, shortly after this update, at 14:35 local time, the aircraft issued an emergency declaration. Immediately following this radio call, the plane struck a mountain. The wreckage was located roughly 32 miles from Manizales at a bearing of 300°. Local authorities in Salamina reported the incident at 14:40 local time. The crash resulted in two fatalities.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the pilot utilized an improper procedure during the flight. While climbing from Manizales toward San Felix, the aircraft was maintained at too low an altitude, which caused it to become trapped within a canyon. During a turn at 9,000 feet, the aircraft entered a stall and impacted the terrain in the San Felix pass at La Aguadita.