Missing cargo aircraft in El Cocuy National Park

3 fatalities • Sierra Nevada del Cocuy, Colombia • Flight

A cargo flight traveling from Port of Spain to Bogotá disappeared after the crew reported an engine failure during cruise altitude.

What happened

A cargo flight operating between Port of Spain and Bogotá disappeared while navigating through the airspace near El Cocuy National Park. During the cruise phase of the flight, the crew transmitted an emergency declaration, notifying air traffic control of a failure in one of the engines.

Following the engine malfunction, the captain attempted to divert the aircraft to Tame Airport. However, the plane failed to reach its intended destination and went missing in the vicinity of the national park. Search and rescue operations were launched to locate the wreckage and the personnel on board, but the mission was eventually terminated after no evidence of the aircraft or any debris could be located.

Findings

  • The flight was operating as a cargo mission.
  • There were three crew members on board at the time of the disappearance.
  • The primary factor leading to the emergency was an engine failure during the cruise portion of the flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft disappeared following a reported engine failure during the cruise phase of flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-12-08 Douglas DC-6 accident near Sierra Nevada del Cocuy, Colombia?

A cargo flight traveling from Port of Spain to Bogotá disappeared after the crew reported an engine failure during cruise altitude.

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-12-08 Douglas DC-6 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1978-12-08 involved a Douglas DC-6, registration HK-1707, operated by LAC Colombia - Lineas Aéreas del Caribe, at Sierra Nevada del Cocuy, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft disappeared following a reported engine failure during the cruise phase of flight.

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