Cargo Flight Crash Near Yopal After Emergency Diversion (HK-3932X)

Flight Details and Initial Incident The aircraft departed Bogotá-El Dorado Airport on a cargo flight to Mitú via Yopal. The flight carried three passengers, three crew members, and a load of 14 fuel drums. During the approach to Mitú-Fabio A. León Bentley, the aircraft was too low. On short final, the left main gear struck a fence and was torn off, resulting in a hydraulic failure. The captain decided to divert to Yopal Airport for an emergency landing. ## Emergency Descent and Crash While descending to Yopal Airport, the aircraft followed a holding pattern to burn fuel. During this phase, the right engine failed. The aircraft lost height and crashed 7.9 km short of runway 05. Three people were rescued, while three others, including one crew member, were killed. ## Official Findings The official investigation identified the probable cause as low situational alert by the pilot-in-command during the final stage of the approach to Mitú Airport and his failure to adequately plan the approach to Yopal Airport during an emergency situation. Contributing factors included a passive attitude of the crew, especially the captain during critical situations, poor crew resource management, lack of crew communication, and the relatively low experience of the copilot.