San Jose del Guaviare – Villavicencio

On March 9, 2019 at 10:36 AM, San Jose del Guaviare – Villavicencio experienced a crash involving Douglas DC-3, operated by Laser Aéreo, with the event recorded near Finca La Bendición Meta.

The flight was categorized as charter/taxi (non scheduled revenue flight) and the reported phase was flight at a plain, valley crash site.

14 people were known to be on board, 14 fatalities were recorded, 0 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 100.0%.

Crew on board: 3, crew fatalities: 3, passengers on board: 11, passenger fatalities: 11, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is technical failure. The twin engine airplane departed San José del Guaviare on a charter flight to Villavicencio, carrying 11 passengers and three crew members. While cruising at an altitude of 8,500 feet in good weather conditions, the left engine failed due to an important fuel leak. The crew elected to secure the engine but was unable to feather the propeller. The airplane lost speed and height, and while attempting an emergency landing, the crew lost control of the airplane that stalled and crashed in a palm plantation, bursting into flames. The aircraft was totally destroyed by a post crash fire and all 14 occupants were killed.

Aircraft reference details include registration HK-2494, MSN 33105/16357, year of manufacture 1945.