Belly landing of aircraft near Villavicencio-La Vanguardia Airport

No fatalities • Villavicencio, Colombia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced severe engine vibrations during climb-out, leading to an emergency belly landing short of the runway with no injuries reported.

What happened

During a departure from Villavicencio-La Vanguardia Airport, the aircraft was climbing through 1,900 feet when the captain identified intense vibrations originating from the left engine. Following this discovery, the crew received clearance to perform a return to the airfield. In response to the mechanical issue, the crew proceeded to shut down the left engine and initiated an approach toward runway 22.

As the aircraft progressed on its final approach, the pilot determined that the plane would be unable to reach the runway threshold. Consequently, the crew executed an emergency belly landing approximately one kilometer before the runway. The aircraft settled in an adjacent field, resulting in the airframe being damaged beyond repair. Despite the impact, all 20 occupants successfully evacuated the aircraft without any injuries.

Findings

  • The primary factor leading to the emergency was severe vibrations in the left engine during the initial climb phase.

Probable cause

Severe vibrations in the left engine necessitated an engine shutdown and an emergency landing short of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-03-30 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Villavicencio, Colombia?

An aircraft experienced severe engine vibrations during climb-out, leading to an emergency belly landing short of the runway with no injuries reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 1996-03-30 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-03-30 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration HK-2497, operated by LANC Colombia - Lineas Aéreas Norte de Colombia, at Villavicencio, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Severe vibrations in the left engine necessitated an engine shutdown and an emergency landing short of the runway.

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