2 fatalities

2015-09-11: Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600) (N164HH) — Heliblack — San Pedro de los Milagros, Colombia

San Pedro de los Milagros, ColombiaFlight

On September 11, 2015, a Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600) (registration N164HH) operated by Heliblack was involved in an aviation accident near San Pedro de los Milagros, Colombia in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain after the crew decided to continue the flight at low height in IMC conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781192810Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft carrying two pilots and one passenger for a Tom Cruise movie production crashed into a hillside in IMC conditions near Medellín. One pilot was seriously injured; the other two occupants were killed. The aircraft was destroyed.

Accident Overview

A twin-engine aircraft operating a flight from Santa Fe de Antioquia to Medellín, Colombia, crashed into mountainous terrain. The aircraft was carrying two pilots and one passenger who were participating in the production of the Tom Cruise film 'Barry Seal - American Traffic'.

Sequence of Events

While flying over mountainous terrain in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the airplane struck the slope of a hill with its right wing. It then descended into trees and was destroyed upon impact.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the accident was a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). The crew had decided to continue the flight at a low altitude despite being in IMC conditions. Contributing factors included the foreign crew's lack of familiarity with the flight area and poor flight planning.

Probable Cause

The accident was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain after the crew decided to continue the flight at low height in IMC conditions. Contributing factors were: the foreign crew was not familiarized with the area of flight, poor flight planning, and CFIT.