Aircraft disappearance near Mt Nevado de Santa Isabel

3 fatalities • Mt Nevado de Santa Isabel, Colombia • Flight

An aircraft traveling from Quito to Bogotá disappeared while flying through adverse weather, resulting in the loss of all on board.

What happened

During a flight transitioning from Quito to Bogotá, an aircraft operating under a maintenance program encountered severe weather conditions. While cruising at an altitude of 5,100 meters, the aircraft type impacted the slope of Mt Nevado de Santa Isabel, situated approximately 150 km west of Bogotá.

Following the disappearance, search and rescue operations were initiated to locate the plane and its occupants. These efforts continued for several days before being called off when no evidence of the wreckage or the crew could be identified. It was not until January 6, 1972, that debris from the accident was discovered. The impact resulted in all fatalities among the crew.

Findings

The investigation concluded that the primary factor leading to the crash was controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The aircraft flew into the side of a mountain during flight in poor weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1971-11-03 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Mt Nevado de Santa Isabel, Colombia?

An aircraft traveling from Quito to Bogotá disappeared while flying through adverse weather, resulting in the loss of all on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1971-11-03 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1971-11-03 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration HC-ANJ, operated by Compaña de Aviacion Aéreo Amazonas, at Mt Nevado de Santa Isabel, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft flew into the side of a mountain during flight in poor weather conditions.

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