A plane crash in northeastern Colombia on Wednesday claimed the lives of 15 people, including Congressman Diógenes Quintero, who represented the Catatumbo region’s peace constituency. The Satena-operated aircraft was traveling from Cúcuta to Ocaña when it went down in a mountainous area near Playa de Belén, in the Norte de Santander department.
Details of the Crash
The Beechcraft 1900, registered as HK4709 and leased to Satena by Searca, departed from Cúcuta’s Camilo Daza airport at 11:42 local time, scheduled to land in Ocaña at 12:05. The last communication from the aircraft occurred at 11:54, just 12 minutes after takeoff. The flight duration between the two cities is typically 25 minutes.
Authorities, comprised of the Civil Aeronautics and the Ministry of Transportation through a unified command post (PMU), confirmed the crash after a search operation involving aircraft from the Air Force and Searca. The wreckage was located with the assistance of local residents and described as completely destroyed in a wooded area. Satena reported the aircraft’s emergency autonomy expired at 14:00 local time, and its emergency locator was not activated.
Passengers and Condolences
Among those killed were Carlos Salcedo, a candidate for the same peace constituency, members of both their teams, and the two pilots, Captain Miguel Vanegas and Captain José de la Vega. The full list of those who perished includes María Álvarez Barbosa, Rolando Peñaloza Gualdrón, María Díaz Rodríguez, Maira Avendaño Rincón, Anayisel Quintero, Karen Parales Vera, Anirley Julio Osorio, Gineth Rincón, Natalia Acosta Salcedo, Maira Sánchez Criado, Juan Pacheco Mejía, and their spouses.
Government officials, including President Gustavo Petro, Interior Minister Armando Benedetti, and Transportation Minister María Fernanda Rojas, have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. Political parties across the spectrum, including the Partido de la U, Centro Democrático, Alianza Verde, and Pacto Histórico, have also offered their sympathies.
What’s Next?
The Ministry of Transportation has stated that determining the exact cause of the crash will take time. While initial reports suggest inclement weather may have played a role, authorities are urging the public to await official findings. A team of investigators is expected to arrive in Ocaña on Thursday to examine the crash site. It is possible that the investigation could focus on mechanical failure, pilot error, or a combination of factors. Further delays in the investigation are also possible, depending on weather conditions and the complexity of the wreckage site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What region was the flight traveling between?
The flight was traveling between Cúcuta and Ocaña, two cities located in the northeastern region of Colombia.
Who was Diógenes Quintero?
Diógenes Quintero was a member of the Chamber of Representatives, representing the Catatumbo region’s peace constituency.
What is the status of the investigation into the crash?
The Ministry of Transportation has stated that the investigation is ongoing and will take time to determine the exact cause of the crash. A team of investigators is expected to arrive at the crash site on Thursday.
As investigators begin their work, the communities of Cúcuta, Ocaña, and the Catatumbo region are left to mourn the loss of those on board and to consider the implications of this tragedy for the future of the region.
