Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident at Bogotá, Colombia, 15 Dec 1948 (C-310)
On December 15, 1948, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration C-310) operated by LANSA Colombia - Limitada Nacional de Servicio Aéreo was involved in an aviation accident near Bogotá, Colombia during takeoff. 30 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was reported that the loss of control was caused by an in flight fire, likely due to the accidental detonation of pyrotechnics goods illegally carried by one or more passengers and stored in one or more luggage. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
It was reported that the loss of control was caused by an in flight fire, likely due to the accidental detonation of pyrotechnics goods illegally carried by one or more passengers and stored in one or more luggage.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
Less than ten minutes after its takeoff from Bogotá-Techo Airport, while climbing, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in flames on a mountain slope located about 40 km west of Bogotá. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire and all 30 occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): It was reported that the loss of control was caused by an in flight fire, likely due to the accidental detonation of pyrotechnics goods illegally carried by one or more passengers and stored in one or more luggage.