On February 5, 1972, a Fairchild F27 (registration HK-1139) operated by TAC Colombia - Transportes Aéreos del Cesar was involved in an aviation accident near Valledupar, Colombia during landing or approach. 19 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: controlled flight into terrain due to a premature descent. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft struck a mountain during descent to Valledupar-Alfonso Lopez Airport in limited visibility. All 19 occupants were killed. Official findings cite controlled flight into terrain due to a premature descent.
Accident Description
The aircraft was on approach to Valledupar-Alfonso Lopez Airport when the crew began descending. At the time, visibility was limited. While descending, the airplane collided with a mountainside located several dozen kilometers from the airport. The wreckage was discovered three days after the accident. All 19 individuals on board died as a result of the impact.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation into the accident determined that the occurrence was a controlled flight into terrain. The probable cause, as stated in the official findings, is that the accident resulted from a controlled flight into terrain due to a premature descent. The premature descent meant the aircraft descended too early during the approach, causing it to be at an altitude insufficient to clear the mountainous terrain.
What happened in the 5 Feb 1972 Fairchild F27 accident near Valledupar, Colombia?
An aircraft struck a mountain during descent to Valledupar-Alfonso Lopez Airport in limited visibility. All 19 occupants were killed. Official findings cite controlled flight into terrain due to a premature descent.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Feb 1972 Fairchild F27 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 19 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Feb 1972 involved a Fairchild F27, registration HK-1139, operated by TAC Colombia - Transportes Aéreos del Cesar, at Valledupar, Colombia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
controlled flight into terrain due to a premature descent
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