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Colombian officials launched a formal investigation Thursday into the deadly crash of a Satena Airlines flight that killed 15 people in northeastern Colombia, with the airline stating it received no advance warning about dangerous weather conditions prior to the incident.
The aircraft crashed Wednesday in a remote area near La Playa de Belen in the Catatumbo region after losing contact with air traffic control shortly after departing from the border city of Cucuta.
Satena president General Óscar Zuluaga defended the crew’s professionalism during a press conference, noting that the pilot had accumulated over 10,000 flight hours and that communication with air traffic control had been normal until the crash.
“We are awaiting the formal investigation results before making definitive statements about the cause,” Zuluaga said.
Though Colombia’s Civil Aeronautics Authority identified “permanent adverse weather conditions” at the crash site in an initial statement Wednesday, investigators continue examining all possible factors that might have contributed to the tragedy.
The Catatumbo region where the crash occurred is known for its complex security situation, prompting journalists to question whether an armed attack might have been possible. The area has significant presence of illegal armed groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN).
While acknowledging the region as “high-risk,” Zuluaga emphasized that investigators would determine “whether there were any external factors that led to this outcome.”
Colombia’s Civil Defense reported Thursday that recovery operations had been completed after teams worked through the night with support from firefighters and Red Cross personnel to retrieve all victims’ remains.
The crash has sent shockwaves through Colombia’s political and humanitarian communities due to the high-profile passengers aboard. Among the victims was congressman Diógenes Quintero, a prominent human rights defender who represented victims of Colombia’s decades-long internal armed conflict in the national legislature.
Quintero, elected in 2022 as one of 16 representatives in Colombia’s lower chamber specifically designated to represent the more than 9 million victims of the country’s armed conflict, was seeking reelection in upcoming March legislative elections. These special congressional seats were established as part of the landmark 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
Before entering Congress, Quintero had served as the regional ombudsman in Catatumbo, building a reputation as a respected advocate for human rights in one of Colombia’s most conflict-affected regions.
The Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights mourned Quintero’s death, describing him as a valuable “partner” in their advocacy work for human rights protection in the region. Members of Congress across the political spectrum also expressed their condolences.
Other victims included members of Quintero’s team and several representatives from humanitarian organizations, including Natalia Acosta; Carlos Salcedo, another social leader running for Congress to represent conflict victims; María Alejandra Avendaño from the Norwegian Refugee Council; and Karen Liliana Perales from World Vision.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the members of the humanitarian and social organizations who dedicated their work to serving the communities,” Doctors Without Borders said in a statement Thursday.
The crash represents a significant blow to Colombia’s peace-building efforts, as many of the victims were actively involved in implementing aspects of the 2016 peace agreement and advocating for communities affected by the nation’s complex, multi-decade conflict.
The Catatumbo region itself remains one of Colombia’s most challenging security environments, with ongoing presence of various armed groups competing for control of territory and illicit economies, particularly coca production.
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9 Comments
The Catatumbo region is known for its complex security situation, so I wonder if that played any role in this crash. Either way, my condolences go out to all those affected by this devastating event.
That’s a good point. The security challenges in that area could potentially have been a contributing factor. Hopefully the investigators leave no stone unturned.
Adverse weather conditions can be incredibly dangerous for air travel. I’m curious to see if the investigation uncovers any issues with the plane’s systems or procedures that may have exacerbated the situation.
You raise a good point. Even with experienced pilots, equipment failures or protocol lapses can compound the risks posed by severe weather. A thorough analysis will be crucial.
It’s good to hear that the airline is being transparent and cooperating with the investigation. The pilot’s extensive experience is also reassuring. I hope the findings can provide some clarity around the cause.
This is a tragic incident. It’s concerning to hear that the plane may have encountered dangerous weather conditions without warning. I hope the investigation can uncover the full circumstances and bring some closure for the victims’ families.
Yes, the loss of life is heartbreaking. Thorough investigations are crucial to understanding what happened and preventing similar accidents in the future.
The loss of a member of Congress is especially tragic. My thoughts are with their family, colleagues, and constituents during this difficult time.
This is a sobering reminder of the risks and challenges faced by the aviation industry, especially in regions with complex security and weather conditions. I hope the investigation leads to meaningful safety improvements.