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16 fatalities

Airplane Crash on Approach to Yopal Kills 16, One Survives (HK-111)

Yopal, ColombiaLanding (descent or approach)

On August 22, 1973, a Douglas DC-3 (registration HK-111) operated by Avianca was involved in an aviation accident near Yopal, Colombia during landing or approach. 16 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew was approaching Yopal Airport under VFR mode in IMC conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane crashed into a hill near Yopal Airport during approach in foggy conditions, killing 16 occupants and leaving one passenger alive.

Flight

The aircraft departed Villavicencio-La Vanguardia Airport at 1113 local time, bound for Yopal. The flight was scheduled to last 45 minutes, carrying 14 passengers and a crew of three.

Accident

During the approach to Yopal, the pilots encountered poor visibility due to fog. The airplane crashed on the slope of a hill 480 meters high, located a few kilometers from the airport. One passenger survived the accident, while the other 16 occupants were killed.

Investigation

The official investigation into the accident determined the probable cause: the crew was approaching Yopal Airport under VFR mode in IMC conditions.

Weather

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Aug 1973 Douglas DC-3 accident near Yopal, Colombia?

An airplane crashed into a hill near Yopal Airport during approach in foggy conditions, killing 16 occupants and leaving one passenger alive.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Aug 1973 Douglas DC-3 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 16 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Aug 1973 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration HK-111, operated by Avianca, at Yopal, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew was approaching Yopal Airport under VFR mode in IMC conditions.

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