5 fatalities

2003-02-06: Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600) (HK-3645P) — Pablo Valencia Iragorri — Cajamarca, Colombia

Cajamarca, ColombiaFlight

On February 6, 2003, a Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600) (registration HK-3645P) operated by Pablo Valencia Iragorri was involved in an aviation accident near Cajamarca, Colombia in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the pilot decided to continue under VFR mode 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 1781201309Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft on a flight from Guaymaral to Popayán with a stop in Girardot crashed into a mountain slope while cruising in clouds, killing all five aboard.

Accident Overview

A twin-engine aircraft operating a flight from Guaymaral to Popayán, with an intermediate stop in Girardot, crashed into the slope of a mountain while in cloud conditions. The aircraft departed Girardot-Santiago Vila Airport at 1523 local time. The pilot made contact with Bogotá Control, reporting an altitude of 4,200 feet and a westward heading. At 1537, the pilot received the QNH pressure setting.

Collision and Wreckage

Two minutes after receiving the pressure setting, while the aircraft was cruising in clouds, it struck trees and impacted the mountain slope, subsequently bursting into flames. The wreckage was located on Mt San Isidro five days after the accident. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact forces and a post-crash fire.

Occupants and Findings

The aircraft carried four passengers and one pilot. All five occupants were killed. The investigation determined the probable cause of the accident.