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Hydraulic Failure Forces Emergency Landing with Retracted Gear at Bogotá (HK-1778)

Bogotá-El Dorado, ColombiaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 20, 1979, a Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle (registration HK-1778) operated by Aerotal Colombia - Aerolineas Territoriales de Colombia was involved in an aviation accident near Bogotá-El Dorado, Colombia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Hydraulic system failure resulted in the left main landing gear remaining retracted and loss of cabin pressure. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During initial climb from Bogotá-El Dorado Airport, a loud bang and hydraulic failure led to an emergency landing with the left main gear retracted. All 57 occupants evacuated uninjured; the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Incident

Shortly after takeoff from Bogotá-El Dorado Airport, while the aircraft was in its initial climb, a loud bang was heard in the rear of the cabin. Immediately thereafter, warning lights illuminated on the cockpit panel. The captain contacted air traffic control, declared an emergency, and was cleared to return to the airport.

Emergency Landing

Due to hydraulic system problems, the landing on runway 12 was conducted with the left main landing gear still retracted. The aircraft slid on its left belly, veered off the left side of the runway, and eventually came to rest against a bank. The hydraulic system failure also caused a loss of cabin pressure.

Aftermath

All 57 occupants escaped the aircraft uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair. The specific cause of the hydraulic system failure is not stated in the available information.

Probable cause

Hydraulic system failure resulted in the left main landing gear remaining retracted and loss of cabin pressure.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Jul 1979 Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle accident near Bogotá-El Dorado, Colombia?

During initial climb from Bogotá-El Dorado Airport, a loud bang and hydraulic failure led to an emergency landing with the left main gear retracted. All 57 occupants evacuated uninjured; the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Jul 1979 Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Jul 1979 involved a Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle, registration HK-1778, operated by Aerotal Colombia - Aerolineas Territoriales de Colombia, at Bogotá-El Dorado, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Hydraulic system failure resulted in the left main landing gear remaining retracted and loss of cabin pressure.

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