Aircraft crash near Popayán-Guillermo León Valencia Airport

7 fatalities • Popayán-Guillermo León Valencia, Colombia • Takeoff (climb)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into residential buildings shortly after takeoff from Popayán, Colombia, resulting in nine casualties.

What happened

On the afternoon of the accident, a twin engine airplane departed from runway 26 at the Popayán-Guillermo León Valencia Airport at 14:06:06. During the initial climb, the aircraft struggled to reach an adequate altitude. Approximately 20 seconds after leaving the runway, while traveling at a speed of 82 knots, the plane experienced a right-side roll. This maneuver led to an uncontrolled descent, and the aircraft struck two houses situated roughly 530 meters beyond the end of the runway.

The impact resulted in a total of seven fatalities and two serious injuries among the occupants of the aircraft.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to maintain altitude during takeoff, leading to an uncontrolled roll and subsequent crash.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-09-15 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Popayán-Guillermo León Valencia, Colombia?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into residential buildings shortly after takeoff from Popayán, Colombia, resulting in nine casualties.

Were there any fatalities in the 2019-09-15 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-09-15 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration HK-5229, operated by TransPacificos, at Popayán-Guillermo León Valencia, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft failed to maintain altitude during takeoff, leading to an uncontrolled roll and subsequent crash.

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