Aircraft disappearance and crash in Saliente del Rio Guape

35 fatalities • Saliente del Rio Guape, Colombia • Flight

A flight traveling from Uribe to Bogotá crashed into a mountainside, resulting in the loss of all 35 people on board.

What happened

During a nighttime flight from Uribe toward Bogotá-El Dorado Airport, an aircraft collided with a mountain slope in the Saliente del Rio Guape area. Following the disappearance of the plane, search and rescue teams were deployed to locate the missing vessel; however, these efforts were halted after several days when no evidence of the wreckage or the passengers was located.

Thirty-five days after the initial disappearance, investigators discovered the debris on the side of Mt Guape at an elevation of 2,200 meters. The impact with the terrain resulted in the total destruction of the plane and caused 35 fatalities.

Findings

Investigations into the accident highlighted that the flight was not maintaining its intended course toward Bogotá for undetermined reasons. Additionally, investigators noted that poor visibility served as a contributing factor to the collision with the mountain terrain.

Probable cause

The aircraft deviated from its planned flight path during night operations, compounded by limited visibility.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1977-04-10 Douglas DC-3 accident near Saliente del Rio Guape, Colombia?

A flight traveling from Uribe to Bogotá crashed into a mountainside, resulting in the loss of all 35 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1977-04-10 Douglas DC-3 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 35 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1977-04-10 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration HK-556, operated by Taxi Aéreo El Venado, at Saliente del Rio Guape, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft deviated from its planned flight path during night operations, compounded by limited visibility.

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