On October 15, 2004, a Douglas DC-3 (registration HK-1503) operated by Aerovanguardia - Aerovias Vanguardia was involved in an aviation accident near Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera, Colombia during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the crew took the decision to continue the approach under VFR mode in IMC conditions until the aircraft impacted terrain. Poor CRM and lack of situational awareness were considered as contributing factors. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A cargo flight from Villavicencio to Medellín diverted due to fog. During final approach to the alternate airport, the aircraft struck a mountain 13 km short of the runway, killing all three occupants.
Accident Details
The aircraft departed Villavicencio on a cargo flight bound for Medellín-José María Córdova Airport, carrying two pilots and one passenger. While descending toward the destination, the crew received information about poor weather conditions at the airport, specifically low visibility due to fog. They decided to divert to Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport.
On final approach to the alternate airport, the aircraft descended too low and struck a mountain located 13 kilometers short of the runway. The impact destroyed the aircraft and killed all three occupants.
Investigation Findings
Official investigation findings determined the probable cause as controlled flight into terrain after the crew decided to continue the approach under visual flight rules (VFR) mode in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) until the aircraft impacted terrain. Contributing factors included poor crew resource management (CRM) and lack of situational awareness.