Fatal aircraft accident near Mariquita, Colombia

10 fatalities • Mariquita, Colombia • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine charter flight crashed during an emergency approach to Mariquita-José Celestino Mutis Airport, resulting in the deaths of all ten people on board.

What happened

A charter flight departing from Bogotá-Guagmaral Airport toward Bahía Solano experienced a critical mechanical failure during its cruise phase. While maintaining altitude, the flight crew notified air traffic control regarding difficulties with one of the engines. In response to the emergency, the aircraft was authorized to divert to the Mariquita-José Celestino Mutis Airport.

During the final approach to runway 19, the twin engine aircraft lost sufficient airspeed and entered a stall. The subsequent impact occurred in a region characterized by hilly and heavily wooded terrain. The force of the collision, combined with a post-crash fire, resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were no survivors among the 10 fatalities, which included both the crew and the eight passengers on board.

Findings

The investigation indicates that the accident was precipitated by engine trouble encountered during the cruise portion of the flight, which necessitated an emergency diversion and ultimately led to the loss of control during the landing sequence.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall during an emergency approach following an engine malfunction.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-12-03 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Mariquita, Colombia?

A twin-engine charter flight crashed during an emergency approach to Mariquita-José Celestino Mutis Airport, resulting in the deaths of all ten people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 2014-12-03 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-12-03 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration HK-4464, operated by Nacional de Aviacion, at Mariquita, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall during an emergency approach following an engine malfunction.

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