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3 fatalities

Midair Collision Near Bucaramanga-Gomez Niño Airport Involving a Dakota and Piper PA-18A (HK-118)

Bucaramanga, ColombiaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 17, 1965, a Douglas DC-3 (registration HK-118) operated by Avianca was involved in an aviation accident near Bucaramanga, Colombia during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the collision remains unclear. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A Dakota and a Piper PA-18A Super Cub collided while approaching Bucaramanga-Gomez Niño Airport from the north. Both aircraft crashed near the Las Terrazas residential area, killing all 15 occupants of the DC-3 and the Piper pilot.

Incident Overview During an approach to Bucaramanga-Gomez Niño Airport from the north, a Dakota aircraft collided with a private Piper PA-18A Super Cub registered HK-922P. The midair collision occurred while the Dakota was on approach, and the Piper was operating in the vicinity. ## Crash and Casualties After the collision, both aircraft dove into the ground and crashed near the Las Terrazas residential area. The accident resulted in the deaths of all 15 occupants on board the DC-3 and the pilot of the Piper PA-18A. ## Investigation Findings The official investigation determined that the exact cause of the collision remains unclear. No definitive cause was established based on the available findings.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the collision remains unclear.
Midair collision

Related events

Same operator

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