Colombia’s state-run airline Satena has confirmed a catastrophic aviation disaster resulting in the deaths of all 15 individuals aboard a domestic flight that crashed in northern Colombia’s treacherous mountainous terrain on Wednesday.
The ill-fated Beechcraft 1900 aircraft, operating as Flight NSE 8849, vanished from radar contact approximately 11 minutes before its scheduled landing at Ocaña Airport near the Venezuelan border. The flight had departed from Cúcuta, located approximately 100 kilometers northeast of its intended destination.
Among the confirmed casualties was Diogenes Quintero Amaya, a serving member of Colombia’s legislative body, and Carlos Salcedo, an active candidate in the nation’s impending congressional elections. The passenger manifest detailed 13 travelers alongside two flight crew members.
Satena’s official statement described the incident as a ‘fatal accident’ while withholding specific details regarding potential causes. The wreckage was subsequently located in a region known for both its challenging topography and presence of ELN guerrilla factions, complicating recovery operations.
Colombia’s armed forces mobilized immediately following the disappearance, coordinating search efforts in collaboration with airline officials. The emergency response included establishing dedicated communication channels for affected families seeking information about their relatives.
This tragedy represents another entry in Colombia’s history of aviation incidents, particularly affecting flights operating in regions with complex geographical features and security challenges. The investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing with aviation authorities expected to conduct thorough analysis of flight data and wreckage evidence.