On March 23, 2026, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration FAC1016) operated by Colombian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Colombiana was involved in an aviation accident near Puerto Leguízamo, Colombia during takeoff. 69 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced engine failure during the initial climb, leading to a loss of control and subsequent impact with the ground. 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.
A transport aircraft carrying military personnel crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Leguízamo-Caucayá Airport, resulting in 69 fatalities.
What happened
An aircraft departed from Puerto Leguízamo-Caucayá (La Tagua) Airport on a mission to transport troops to Puerto Asís. The flight was carrying 117 soldiers from three different platoons along with 11 crew members. During the initial climb phase after departing from runway 10, the aircraft experienced mechanical issues involving the engines. This led to a slight left roll before the plane lost altitude and struck the ground in a forested region situated approximately 3 km northwest of the city. Upon impact, the aircraft caught fire.
Findings
The accident resulted in 69 fatalities, including 61 soldiers, six crew members, and two police officers.
57 people were successfully rescued from the wreckage.
The crash was precipitated by engine problems encountered during the early stages of flight.
Probable cause
The aircraft experienced engine failure during the initial climb, leading to a loss of control and subsequent impact with the ground.