What happened
On 24 December 1966, an Avianca flight scheduled to travel from Bogotá-El Dorado Airport to Pasto experienced a series of operational irregularities. The departure from Bogotá was delayed due to heavy fog that had closed the airport until 0750 hours. During the taxiing phase, the crew entered the runway system without proper clearance; the pilot later admitted to confusing instructions with those intended for another aircraft. Following takeoff from runway 10, the aircraft performed an unusually steep left turn at a high pitch angle near the runway threshold, though the flight was eventually stabilized.
After climbing, the crew transitioned through various control frequencies while providing position reports over Guataqui, El Paso, Tuluá, Cali, and Santander. However, communication became increasingly difficult as signal strength weakened. By 1030 hours, air traffic controllers in Cali noted that the flight had not arrived at its destination and could no longer be reached on any frequency. An alert phase was initiated at 1100 hours, followed by a distress phase at 1125 hours. Following an 11-day search, wreckage was located on 3 January 1967, on the southern slopes of Tajumbina Peak. The impact and subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft, causing 29 fatalities.
Findings
Investigations concluded that the accident resulted from the pilot's actions, specifically citing a lack of discipline and reckless decision-making. Key contributing factors included:
- The pilot failed to observe mandatory rest periods and had consumed alcohol shortly before the flight.
- The crew deviated from the prescribed route outlined in the Manual of Colombian Air Routes.
- The pilot provided inaccurate position reports during transit.
- The pilot conducted visual flight under conditions that required instrument flight rules (IFR) standards.
- The aircraft was operated at an altitude below the minimum safety requirements for visual flight while traversing the Canon del Rfo Cascabel.
Additionally, investigators noted a lack of oversight by the airline regarding flight crew supervision.