3 fatalities

Fatal aircraft crash near Valledupar during cargo transport

Valledupar, ColombiaFlight

On October 17, 1978, a Douglas DC-4 operated by Private United States of America was involved in an aviation accident near Valledupar, Colombia in flight. 3 people were killed. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft crashed under unidentified circumstances near Valledupar, resulting in the deaths of all three people on board.

What happened

A four-engine airplane crashed in the vicinity of Valledupar while engaged in a flight transporting a cargo of marijuana. The exact sequence of events leading to the impact remains undetermined due to unknown circumstances surrounding the crash.

During the incident, the aircraft was operated by an unidentified crew. There were three fatalities recorded, as all members of the flight crew perished in the accident. No survivors were reported from the wreckage.

Findings

At this time, investigators have not established a definitive reason for the crash. While it is confirmed that the aircraft was carrying an illegal cargo at the time of the event, the specific mechanical or operational failures that led to the loss of the aircraft have not been officially documented.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Oct 1978 Douglas DC-4 accident near Valledupar, Colombia?

A four-engine aircraft crashed under unidentified circumstances near Valledupar, resulting in the deaths of all three people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Oct 1978 Douglas DC-4 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Oct 1978 involved a Douglas DC-4, operated by Private United States of America, at Valledupar, Colombia.