7 fatalities

Collision between two Ford 5 aircraft at Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (C-31)

Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera, ColombiaTaxiing

On June 24, 1935, a Ford 5 (registration C-31) operated by SCADTA - Sociedad Colombo-Alemana de Transportes Aéreos was involved in an aviation accident near Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera, Colombia while taxiing. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control during takeoff due to strong lateral winds and runway surface irregularities causing premature left main gear liftoff and a subsequent veer off the runway. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A collision occurred on the runway at Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport involving two Ford 5 aircraft, resulting in nineteen fatalities and three injuries.

What happened

On a day marked by adverse weather conditions, a Ford 5 operated by Servicio Aéreo Colombiano (SACO) was executing a takeoff roll at Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport. Simultaneously, another Ford 5, registered as 'Manizales' and operated by SCADTA, was taxiing along the runway for a scheduled departure to Bogotá on service SC062.

The SACO aircraft experienced a loss of directional control during its takeoff run. It swerved off the paved surface and collided with the stationary or slowly moving SCADTA aircraft. The impact caused both planes to explode and sustain total destruction from fire. All seven individuals aboard the SCADTA aircraft, consisting of three crew members and four passengers, perished in the incident. On the SACO aircraft, ten of the thirteen occupants died, while three others sustained injuries.

Findings

The investigation board concluded that the accident resulted from a loss of control by the SACO aircraft during the takeoff phase. This loss of control was attributed to strong lateral winds combined with irregularities in the runway surface. These factors caused the left main gear to lift off the ground prematurely before rotation, leading the aircraft to veer off the runway. The pilot's attempts to maintain directional control were unsuccessful.

Probable cause

Loss of control during takeoff due to strong lateral winds and runway surface irregularities causing premature left main gear liftoff and a subsequent veer off the runway.