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Right Engine Fails After Takeoff from Cali-Palmaseca Airport, Emergency Landing (HK-1333)

Cali, ColombiaFlight

On February 23, 1974, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration HK-1333) operated by Taxi Aéreo El Llanero was involved in an aviation accident near Cali, Colombia in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Detachment of an engine cowling in flight followed by the failure of the cylinder n°5 on the right engine. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff from Cali-Palmaseca Airport, the right engine failed and caught fire. The crew extinguished the fire and feathered the propeller, but lost altitude, leading to an emergency landing. Both pilots uninjured, aircraft destroyed.

Incident

Minutes after takeoff from Cali-Palmaseca Airport at noon, while passing over the Marmato beacon, the right engine failed. The crew was unable to feather the propeller when the engine caught fire. After a few seconds, the crew extinguished the fire and feathered the propeller. However, the aircraft had lost too much altitude, prompting the captain to decide on an emergency landing.

Aftermath

The aircraft crash-landed in a field located a few kilometers from the airport and came to rest. Both pilots were uninjured. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the detachment of an engine cowling in flight, followed by the failure of cylinder number 5 on the right engine.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Feb 1974 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Cali, Colombia?

Shortly after takeoff from Cali-Palmaseca Airport, the right engine failed and caught fire. The crew extinguished the fire and feathered the propeller, but lost altitude, leading to an emergency landing. Both pilots uninjured, aircraft destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Feb 1974 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Feb 1974 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration HK-1333, operated by Taxi Aéreo El Llanero, at Cali, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Detachment of an engine cowling in flight followed by the failure of the cylinder n°5 on the right engine.

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