Colombian Air Force Plane Crash Kills Dozens in Amazon Region
At least 34 people were killed when a Colombian Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport plane crashed shortly after takeoff in the country’s southern Amazon region on Monday, March 23, 2026, authorities said. The crash occurred near Puerto Leguízamo, in the Putumayo department.
What Happened?
The aircraft was en route from Caucayá Airport in Puerto Leguízamo to Puerto Asís, both located in the Putumayo department, when it crashed approximately one and a half kilometers (one mile) from the airport, according to Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez . A fire broke out on the aircraft, causing ammunition onboard to detonate.
Casualties and Survivors
As of March 24, 2026, at least 34 fatalities have been confirmed, with 83 survivors hospitalized . Authorities initially reported that at least eight people were unaccounted for, but the number of missing is still being determined. Governor of the Putumayo department, Jhon Gabriel Molina, stated that 34 were killed and 21 were still to be identified .
Aircraft Details
The aircraft involved was a Lockheed C-130H Hercules, registration FAC1016, operated by the Colombian Air Force . It was manufactured in 1984 and delivered to Colombia in September 2020 as part of the U.S. Excess defense articles program. The plane underwent maintenance between 2021 and 2023, including a complete structural overhaul and engine updates .
Investigation
Defense Minister Sanchez stated there was no indication of an attack by illegal actors and that the plane was airworthy with a qualified crew prior to departure . The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
Location
The crash occurred in a remote area near Puerto Leguízamo, a riverside town in the Putumayo region, on Colombia’s border with Peru .
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