1967 Aerocondor de Colombia Wet-Lease Flight Crash at Bogotá-El Dorado (N7301C)

Flight Operations and Approach History The aircraft was operating under a wet lease from Passaat Ltd. of Miami, U.S.A., to Aerocondor de Colombia. It was conducting a non-scheduled international flight from Miami International Airport to Bogotá-El Dorado Airport, Colombia. The flight departed Miami at 2040 local time on 17 December and proceeded normally. At 0240 local time on 18 December, the aircraft reported over the Bogotá VOR at 12,000 feet and requested authorization to change to frequency 118.1 mcs and contact El Dorado Control Tower. The request was granted, and communications were established. The flight was given a QNH of 30.14 in. Hg and cleared to land on Runway 12, but requested permission to land on Runway 30. It was then instructed to proceed directly to the inner marker for Runway 12 at 8,895 feet, with the airport elevation at 8,364 feet, and to make a circling approach to Runway 30 if visual. Fog patches were present on and near the aerodrome. Tower communications indicated the flight reported proceeding inbound to Runway 12 and was instructed to continue the approach as fog appeared to be thinning in that direction. When asked about visibility toward Runway 12, the flight replied that it was a little better and that they thought they could make it. At 0753 GMT, the flight requested permission to land. The tower cleared the aircraft to land if possible, noting lights were at maximum intensity and asking if they needed to be reduced. The flight advised the lights were OK and reported on final approach. It was cleared to land again and advised that the wind was calm and the QNH was 30.14 in. Hg. The flight acknowledged with “Thanks.” Ten to 20 seconds later, an explosion was heard, and the control tower called the flight several times without response. Fire crews were directed to the threshold of Runway 12 and reported the wreckage was 10 to 20 meters before the threshold. Four crew members and 13 passengers were killed, and 42 other occupants were injured. The aircraft was destroyed.