5 fatalities

Fatal Twin-Engine Crash in Bogotá Residential Area (HK-1590)

Bogotá-El Dorado, ColombiaTakeoff (climb)

On October 23, 1985, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration HK-1590) operated by Transportes Aéreos Tropicales - TAT Colombia was involved in an aviation accident near Bogotá-El Dorado, Colombia during takeoff. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control during initial climb following an engine failure for unknown reasons. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a residential area shortly after takeoff from Bogotá-El Dorado Airport, killing all five occupants and seriously injuring two people on the ground.

Incident Overview and Casualties A twin-engine airplane experienced a fatal accident shortly after departing from Bogotá-El Dorado Airport. During the initial climb phase of the flight, the aircraft lost altitude and subsequently crashed into a residential neighborhood. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. All five individuals on board were killed in the crash. Additionally, two people on the ground sustained serious injuries as a result of the incident. ## Official Investigation Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a loss of control during the initial climb. This loss of control occurred following an engine failure, though the specific reasons for the engine failure were not identified in the official findings.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Oct 1985 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Bogotá-El Dorado, Colombia?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a residential area shortly after takeoff from Bogotá-El Dorado Airport, killing all five occupants and seriously injuring two people on the ground.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Oct 1985 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Oct 1985 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration HK-1590, operated by Transportes Aéreos Tropicales - TAT Colombia, at Bogotá-El Dorado, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of control during initial climb following an engine failure for unknown reasons.