An Beechcraft 1900 plane from the state company Satena crashed this Wednesday (28) in the mountainous region of Norte de Santander, in the northeast of Colômbia, killing all 15 people on board. The aircraft, registration HK4709, took off from Camilo Daza airport, on Cúcuta, at 11:42 local time, bound for Ocaña, but lost contact with air traffic control at 11:54. Não there were survivors, as confirmed by Colombian aeronautical authorities.
The accident occurred in a difficult-to-access area close to La Playa of Belén, in Catatumbo, where rescue teams faced rough terrain to locate the wreckage. Entre The victims were 13 passengers and two crew members, including political figures of regional relevance. Satena mobilized resources immediately in coordination with Força Aeroespacial Colombiana.
Authorities confirmed that the aircraft’s emergency beacon was not activated, which makes initial hypotheses about what happened difficult. Investigações techniques have already been initiated to determine the causes of the accident.
Flight details and wreckage location
The route between Cúcuta and Ocaña is regularly operated by Satena to connect remote regions of the country. Flight NSE8849 was scheduled to land at 12:05 pm at Aguas Claras airport, but disappeared from radars during the descent procedure.
Search teams involved planes from Força Aeroespacial, Exército and company Searca. The wreckage was found in a rural area of La Playa to Belén, with access complicated by the mountainous terrain.
The minister of Transportes, María Fernanda Rojas, reported that an aeronautical security team was sent to the location. Drones and safety cords help in removing the bodies.
Victims identified in the accident
Satena released the complete list of occupants, confirming the presence of political figures. Deputy Diógenes Quintero Amaya, 36 years old, was one of the victims, along with his advisor Natalia Acosta Salcedo.
Other passengers included candidate Carlos Salcedo Salazar, who would compete for a seat on Congresso. The crew were captain Miguel Vanegas and co-pilot José de la Cruz.
- Maria Álvarez Barbosa
- Rolling Penaloza Gualdron
- Maria Díaz Rodríguez
- Maira Avendaño Rincón
- Anayisel Quintero
- Karen Parales Vera
- Anirley Julio Osorio
- Gineth Rincón
- Maira Sánchez Criado
- Juan Pacheco Mejía
These identifications were confirmed by official company documents.
Political profile of Diógenes Quintero
Diógenes Quintero Amaya represented the region of Catatumbo in the Câmara of the Representantes since 2022.
Born in Hacarí, the deputy worked to defend human rights in an area marked by historical conflicts. Formado in Direito, held positions as a municipal and regional ombudsman before joining Congresso.
His term would end in 2026, and he was seen as a leader committed to local development. The U party highlighted its vocation for public service in an official statement.
Quintero was part of Comissão Primeira of the Colombian Legislativo. Sua death represents a significant loss for the region’s representation in the peace process.
Response from authorities and condolences
The minister of Interior, Armando Benedetti, followed the case and expressed condolences to the families. Ele highlighted the impact of the tragedy on the country.
The governor of Norte of Santander regretted what happened in a rural area of La Playa of Belén. Mensagens of solidarity were sent to relatives of the victims.
The U party expressed deep regret at the loss of Quintero. The party emphasized its commitment to the region and public responsibility.
Ongoing investigation into causes
Aeronáutica Civil opened a technical investigation to investigate the accident. Fatores weather conditions and possible mechanical failures will be analyzed.
The aircraft involved recorded a previous incident in 2014, during a maneuver at Bogotá. On that occasion, it hit runway lights with no casualties.
There are no initial signs of activation of the emergency signal. Especialistas evaluate radar data and final communications.
The Catatumbo region presents challenges for aviation due to the terrain. Rotas like this serve communities with little terrestrial connectivity.
Context of the region of Catatumbo
Catatumbo is an area historically affected by the presence of armed groups. Apesar of progress in the peace agreement, access remains limited.
Satena operates essential flights for transport in remote areas. The company is state-owned and prioritizes routes little served by commercial airlines.
Accidents in mountainous terrain require specific search protocols. Equipes face logistical difficulties in similar operations.
The accident reinforces debates about safety on regional routes. Autoridades maintain focus on the total recovery of the bodies.
Rescue operations and support for families
Satena provided a telephone line for information for relatives. Equipes psychological services were called for immediate assistance.
Helicopters help transport personnel to the wreckage site. The removal takes place with coordinated support between armed forces.
The investigation prioritizes preserving evidence on the ground. Peritos analyze aircraft components on site.
Families receive constant updates from authorities. The national government monitors all procedures involved.
The tragedy mobilized resources from multiple Colombian institutions. Operações continue until rescue tasks are completed.
Satena Security History
The state-owned company maintains a fleet adapted to short runways and isolated regions. The Beechcraft 1900 model is used on several internal routes.
Previous incidents with similar aircraft have occurred in adverse conditions. Manutenções follow the standards of Aeronáutica Civil.
Satena reinforces protocols after events like this. Treinamentos include loss of contact scenarios in mountainous areas.
The company coordinates with international bodies when necessary. Relatórios finals contribute to improvements in the sector.
