13 fatalities

1976-01-15: Douglas C-54 Skymaster (HK-172) — Taxi Aéreo El Venado — Chipaque, Colombia

Chipaque, ColombiaFlight

On January 15, 1976, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration HK-172) operated by Taxi Aéreo El Venado was involved in an aviation accident near Chipaque, Colombia in flight. 13 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft flew into the side of a mountain while operating in clouds. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781229524Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside in the Meta region of Colombia, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

On an unidentified date, a four-engine airplane was operating within cloud cover when it collided with the side of a mountain. The impact occurred on a slope situated at an elevation of 3,540 metres, approximately 30 km east of Chipaque in western Meta. Following the initial collision, the wreckage descended into a canyon, coming to rest roughly 800 metres below the site of the impact.

There were 13 fatalities recorded following the accident, as all individuals on board perished.

Findings

The investigation concluded that the primary factor in the accident was controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The aircraft flew into the side of a mountain while operating in clouds.