35 fatalities

1977-04-10: Douglas DC-3 (HK-556) — Taxi Aéreo El Venado — Saliente del Rio Guape, Colombia

Saliente del Rio Guape, ColombiaFlight

On April 10, 1977, a Douglas DC-3 (registration HK-556) operated by Taxi Aéreo El Venado was involved in an aviation accident near Saliente del Rio Guape, Colombia in flight. 35 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: For unknown reasons, the airplane was not following the proper track to Bogotá. Lack of visibility was considered as a contributing factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781228098Data APIEditorial standards

An en route airplane from Uribe to Bogotá-El Dorado Airport struck a mountain slope at night in the Saliente del Rio Guape region. SAR efforts were suspended after no trace was found, but the wreckage was discovered 35 days later at 2,200 meters. All 35 occupants were killed. The official cause noted unknown deviation from proper track, with lack of visibility as a contributing factor.

Accident

While cruising at night en route from Uribe to Bogotá-El Dorado Airport, the airplane struck the slope of a mountain located in the region of Saliente del Rio Guape. The aircraft failed to arrive at Bogotá, prompting search and rescue (SAR) operations.

Search and Recovery

SAR operations were initiated but eventually suspended a few days later, as no trace of the aircraft nor the 35 occupants was found. The wreckage was discovered 35 days after the accident on the slope of Mt Guape, at an altitude of 2,200 meters. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact.

Occupants and Damage

All 35 occupants were killed in the crash. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact.

Probable Cause

The official findings stated that for unknown reasons, the airplane was not following the proper track to Bogotá. Lack of visibility was considered as a contributing factor.