12 fatalities

1974-01-17: Douglas DC-3 (HK-1216) — Cessnyca — Chigorodó, Colombia

Chigorodó, ColombiaFlight

On January 17, 1974, a Douglas DC-3 (registration HK-1216) operated by Cessnyca was involved in an aviation accident near Chigorodó, Colombia in flight. 12 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control approximately 20 minutes after departing Chigorodó. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781231791Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft flying from Chigorodó to Medellín crashed in mountainous terrain, resulting in the deaths of all twelve people on board.

What happened

A flight operating between Turbo and Medellín, which included a scheduled stop at Chigorodó Airport, ended in a fatal accident. The aircraft departed Chigorodó at 12:55 local time, heading south with instructions for the crew to reach an altitude of 11,500 feet.

Approximately 20 minutes after takeoff, the pilot issued an emergency declaration, reporting that the aircraft had become uncontrollable. Following this distress call, the plane went down in a mountainous region. Search efforts located the wreckage in the difficult terrain, and it was confirmed that there were 12 fatalities among the occupants.

Findings

The investigation into the crash focused on the period immediately following the loss of control reported by the pilot during the climb phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control approximately 20 minutes after departing Chigorodó.