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).
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.