4 fatalities

1980-01-24: Douglas DC-3 (HK-2214) — Aerotal Colombia - Aerolineas Territoriales de Colombia — Bogotá-El Dorado, Colombia

Bogotá-El Dorado, ColombiaFlight

On January 24, 1980, a Douglas DC-3 (registration HK-2214) operated by Aerotal Colombia - Aerolineas Territoriales de Colombia was involved in an aviation accident near Bogotá-El Dorado, Colombia in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781224339Data APIEditorial standards

A test flight at Bogotá-El Dorado Airport ended in a crash killing all four crew members. The official probable cause was undetermined, though the right engine had seized components and the pilot was not qualified on the aircraft type.

Accident Overview

An aircraft on a local test flight at Bogotá-El Dorado Airport crashed shortly after the pilot transmitted a brief mayday message. The flight carried four crew members: two pilots and two engineers. After passing over runway 12 at an altitude of approximately 200 feet, the airplane banked left and struck the ground in flames. The aircraft was destroyed and all four occupants were killed.

Investigation Findings

The investigation determined that the exact cause of the accident could not be identified. At the moment of impact, the left propeller was feathered, while no technical anomalies were found on the left engine. However, examination of the right engine revealed that the forward bearing and connecting rod had seized. Additionally, it was reported that the pilot-in-command was not qualified to operate the aircraft type involved in the accident.

Conclusion

No official probable cause was established. The final report noted the right engine failure and the pilot's lack of qualification, but the precise sequence leading to the crash remained undetermined.