Aircraft crash during approach to Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport

3 fatalities • Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera, Colombia • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight operating between Villavicencio and Medellín crashed into a mountain during its approach to a diversion airport, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

A cargo flight traveling from Villavicencio to Medellín-José María Córdova Airport was operating with a crew of two pilots and one passenger. During the descent toward the original destination, the flight crew received reports regarding heavy fog and significantly reduced visibility at the primary airport. In response to these weather conditions, the crew elected to divert the flight to Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport.

While performing the final approach to the diversion airfield, the aircraft impacted a mountain approximately 13 km before reaching the runway. The impact occurred at a low altitude during the approach phase. The collision resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of all three occupants.

Findings

  • The crew attempted to land at an alternative airport due to poor visibility caused by fog at the primary destination.
  • The aircraft descended below the safe altitude during the final approach, leading to the mountain collision.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck terrain during the final approach phase while attempting to land at a diversion airport due to weather-related visibility issues.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-10-15 Douglas DC-3 accident near Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera, Colombia?

A cargo flight operating between Villavicencio and Medellín crashed into a mountain during its approach to a diversion airport, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 2004-10-15 Douglas DC-3 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-10-15 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration HK-1503, operated by Aerovanguardia - Aerovias Vanguardia, at Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck terrain during the final approach phase while attempting to land at a diversion airport due to weather-related visibility issues.

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