On June 21, 2004, a Douglas DC-3 (registration HK-1212) operated by VIARCO - Vias Aéreas Colombianas was involved in an aviation accident near Las Gaviotas, Colombia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Rupture of a crank and subsequent total loss of power and fire in the right engine during rotation of the plane, which reduced the performance of the aircraft, causing the pilot to lose control of the aircraft, resulting in the immediate collision with the… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A Viarco-operated DC-3 experienced right engine failure and fire after takeoff from Las Gaviotas Airport, stalled and crashed in a wooded area. All 20 occupants were injured, six seriously, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Incident Description
A Douglas DC-3, operated by Viarco, diverted to Las Gaviotas Airport following unspecified technical problems and was grounded. The operator dispatched a second aircraft to carry the passengers onward. Shortly after the second aircraft took off from runway 24, during the initial climb, its right engine failed and caught fire. The aircraft stalled and subsequently crashed into a wooded area, where it burst into flames. All 20 individuals on board sustained injuries, six of which were serious. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a rupture of a crank and subsequent total loss of power and fire in the right engine during rotation of the plane. This reduced the aircraft's performance, causing the pilot to lose control and resulting in an immediate collision with the ground.
What happened in the 21 Jun 2004 Douglas DC-3 accident near Las Gaviotas, Colombia?
A Viarco-operated DC-3 experienced right engine failure and fire after takeoff from Las Gaviotas Airport, stalled and crashed in a wooded area. All 20 occupants were injured, six seriously, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Were there any fatalities in the 21 Jun 2004 Douglas DC-3 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Jun 2004 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration HK-1212, operated by VIARCO - Vias Aéreas Colombianas, at Las Gaviotas, Colombia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Rupture of a crank and subsequent total loss of power and fire in the right engine during rotation of the plane, which reduced the performance of the aircraft, causing the pilot to lose control of the aircraft, resulting in the immediate collision with the ground.
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