Aircraft crash on Mount Santa Elena near Florencia

50 fatalities • Florencia, Colombia • Flight

A four-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside during flight near Florencia, resulting in no survivors among the 50 people on board.

What happened

Shortly after departing from the Florencia-Gustavo Artunduaga Paredes Airport, a four-engine airplane encountered severe weather while in its cruise phase. The aircraft struck the slope of Mt Santa Elena, situated approximately 48 km north of Florencia, which was obscured by heavy cloud cover at the time. Following the impact, search efforts located the wreckage several hours later.

The accident resulted in the death of all 50 occupants on board. The impact caused the total destruction of the aircraft.

Findings

Investigations into the crash revealed that the crew was operating the flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) despite being in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). It was concluded that the crew continued to fly under VFR while flying below the minimum safe altitude required by established procedures.

Probable cause

The crew attempted to maintain visual flight rules during instrument meteorological conditions while flying below the prescribed minimum safe altitude.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1981-08-27 Vickers Viscount accident near Florencia, Colombia?

A four-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside during flight near Florencia, resulting in no survivors among the 50 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1981-08-27 Vickers Viscount accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 50 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1981-08-27 involved a Vickers Viscount, registration HK-1320, operated by Aeropesca Colombia, at Florencia, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?