On September 16, 1991, a Handley Page HPR-7 Dart Herald (registration HK-2701) operated by LACOL Colombia - Lineas Aéreas Colombianas was involved in an aviation accident near Barranquilla-Ernesto Cortissoz (ex Soledad), Colombia during landing or approach. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain a safe altitude during the final approach while operating in low-visibility conditions caused by fog. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A fatal aviation accident occurred during the final approach to Barranquilla-Ernesto Cortissoz Airport when an aircraft struck the ground short of the runway.
What happened
During an approach to the Barranquilla-Ernesto Cortissoz Airport, the flight crew encountered environmental conditions characterized by local fog banks that significantly reduced visibility. While performing the final approach phase of the flight, the pilot did not maintain a sufficient altitude above the terrain. Consequently, the aircraft impacted the ground approximately 3.2 km before reaching the runway threshold.
The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were seven fatalities among the occupants of the plane, with no survivors reported from the crash site.
Findings
Investigations into the accident indicate that the primary factor was insufficient altitude during the final approach due to the pilot's failure to recognize the low position of the aircraft amidst limited visibility caused by fog.
Probable cause
The pilot failed to maintain a safe altitude during the final approach while operating in low-visibility conditions caused by fog.