On September 1, 2005, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration HK-3069P) operated by AeroAndes was involved in an aviation accident near Bogotá-Guaymaral, Colombia during takeoff. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A possible fuel contamination affected the power on one engine or both. The aircraft was overloaded at takeoff, which, compounded by the considerable loss of power to the engines due to the altitude of the aerodrome, did not allow the pilot to maneuver the… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Bogotá-Guaymaral Airport, killing all eight occupants. The probable cause includes fuel contamination, overloading, and altitude-related power loss.
Accident Overview
Shortly after takeoff from Bogotá-Guaymaral Airport's runway 10, while in initial climb, the crew initiated a left turn in accordance with procedures. The copilot contacted air traffic control and declared an emergency due to technical problems. The crew was immediately cleared to land at their discretion, but the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in a prairie located 600 metres from the threshold of runway 28. The aircraft was totally destroyed, and all eight occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a possible fuel contamination affecting power on one or both engines. The aircraft was overloaded at takeoff, which, compounded by a considerable loss of power due to the altitude of the aerodrome, did not allow the pilot to maneuver the aircraft to return to the runway. Additionally, the center of gravity, while within permissible limits, was too far aft for operation in adverse weather conditions.