4 fatalities

Engine Failure After Takeoff Leads to Fatal Crash in Medellín (HK-1388-G)

Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera, ColombiaTakeoff (climb)

On October 3, 1972, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration HK-1388-G) operated by Instituto Geográfico Agustín Codazzi was involved in an aviation accident near Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera, Colombia during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure shortly after takeoff. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff from Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport, a pilot reported an engine failure to ATC. Attempting to return for an emergency landing, control was lost and the aircraft crashed in flames in an industrial area. All three occupants and one person on the ground were killed.

Accident Details

One minute after departing from Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport, while in the initial climb phase, the pilot notified air traffic control of an engine failure. ATC cleared the aircraft to return for an emergency landing. Shortly thereafter, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which crashed in flames in an industrial area adjacent to the airport.

Casualties

The accident resulted in the deaths of all three occupants on board and one individual on the ground.

Investigation

Investigators determined the probable cause of the accident to be an engine failure shortly after takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Oct 1972 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera, Colombia?

Shortly after takeoff from Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport, a pilot reported an engine failure to ATC. Attempting to return for an emergency landing, control was lost and the aircraft crashed in flames in an industrial area. All three occupants and one person on the ground were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Oct 1972 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Oct 1972 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration HK-1388-G, operated by Instituto Geográfico Agustín Codazzi, at Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure shortly after takeoff.