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Avianca DC-3 Collision Near Villapacelly (HK-1341)

Villapacelly, ColombiaFlight

On July 29, 1972, a Douglas DC-3 (registration HK-1341) operated by Avianca was involved in an aviation accident near Villapacelly, Colombia in flight. 21 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of the pilot of HK-1341 performing a reaching maneuver without observing the requirements established in the Aeronautical Regulations Manual, and the flight crews not being in optimal psycho-physical condition due to minimal… 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

Two Avianca DC-3s collided near Villapacelly, Colombia, killing all 38 occupants. The accident involved a reaching maneuver and fatigue factors.

Incident Overview and Flight Details On 0620LT, an Avianca DC-3 departed Villavicencio-La Vanguardia Airport Runway 04 on service AV630. The flight was scheduled for Cúcuta with intermediate stops at Yopal, Paz de Ariporo, Tame, Arauca, and Saravena. The aircraft carried 18 passengers and 3 crew members. The crew consisted of pilot Alvaro Gómez Molano, copilot Carlos A. López Ruiz, and flight engineer Martin E. Correal. Approximately 10 minutes after departure, while cruising in excellent weather conditions, the pilot attempted to reach a second Avianca DC-3, registered HK-107, which had departed the same airport about five minutes earlier. The two aircraft collided, entered an uncontrolled descent, and crashed on Mt Las Polomas near the village of Villapacelly, approximately 71 km northeast of Villavicencio-La Vanguardia Airport. Both aircraft were totally destroyed, and all 38 occupants were killed.

Probable cause

The accident was the consequence of the pilot of HK-1341 performing a reaching maneuver without observing the requirements established in the Aeronautical Regulations Manual, and the flight crews not being in optimal psycho-physical condition due to minimal or almost nonexistent horizontal rest before starting their flight activities, despite having the regulatory rest hours provided by the company. The pilot-in-command of DC-3 HK-107, who had the right of way, had no involvement in the collision as he was complying with the regulations.
Midair collision

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