Aerosucre, a Colombian cargo airline, has a troubling safety record that raises significant concerns about aviation oversight in Colombia. With roots going back to 1969, the airline has sustained a notorious reputation, amassing 11 fatal accidents. The story of Flight 157, scheduled on December 20, 2016, is a stark example of the grave consequences that can arise from systemic negligence and unsafe operating practices in the aviation industry.
Operating predominantly with a fleet of aging Boeing aircraft, Aerosucre has documented a long history of accidents and incidents. Among these were cases of unauthorized passenger transport, load shifts that led to fatalities, and several aircraft written off due to various operational failures. For example, in 1989, a load shift caused an Aerosucre Caravel to crash into homes, killing five crew members and two people on the ground.
Despite its checkered history, Aerosucre remained crucial for transporting goods to remote parts of Colombia, especially during a tumultuous period characterized by civil unrest and infrastructure challenges. This contradiction between its service necessity and operational safety risks creates a complex narrative about the value and dangers of the aviation sector in less developed regions.
On the fateful day, the crew of Flight 157 prepared to operate a round-trip cargo flight between El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá and German Olano Airport in Puerto Kenos. Puerto Kenos, located in a remote eastern region, was known for its limited access and reliance on cargo flights. After landing, the crew loaded nearly 20,000 kg of local products for export, significantly increasing their weight for the return trip.
The crew consisted of a captain with extensive flight experience, a first officer, and a flight engineer, alongside a mechanic and a load master, though details on the latter two are scarce. Notably, the captain was 58 years old and had over 6,800 flying hours on the Boeing 727, while the flight engineer was 72 years old—a detail that raises eyebrows, as many countries impose age limits on pilots, but not on engineers.
As they prepared for departure, various oversights became apparent. They began the taxi to the runway without having received updated weather information, a critical oversight given the potential impact of the winds on their takeoff. Furthermore, reports indicated that while the aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight consisted of specific calculations, Aerosucre had a history of exceeding weight limits by carrying additional undisclosed cargo, which complicated matters even further.
Notably, the crew’s methods of using outdated takeoff speed cards led them to inadvertently select speeds appropriate for a different flap setting, compounding their risk. As they initiated the takeoff roll, they faced an assortment of factors including a 4-knot tailwind, which would further extend their takeoff distance beyond the already short runway.
During the takeoff, the captain’s slow rotation technique became a critical failure point. Instead of promptly reaching takeoff angle, the aircraft began to roll off the end of the runway, encountering a perimeter fence, a tree, and a guard post, subsequently shedding an engine and landing gear upon impact. Somehow, amidst the chaos, the flight managed to become airborne briefly before descending sharply and crashing just outside the airport.
The aftermath was catastrophic—of the six onboard, four were instantly killed, and one later succumbed to injuries. The mechanic survived, highlighting the chilling nature of the event and the dangers typically faced by aviation personnel in hazardous operating environments.
Investigators attributed the accident not only to pilot error but also to a broader systemic failure within Aerosucre and the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority. The findings categorically highlighted a lack of oversight surrounding the aircraft operations at unapproved airports, compounded by the airline's failure to implement necessary updates to flight manuals and operating procedures.
Consequences and Lessons
The recommendations issued following the investigation revolved around enforcing compliance with existing regulations—an unsettling indication of the lax safety culture within Aerosucre. There exists a general consensus that allowing frequent operational breaches, no matter how small, prepares the ground for potentially disastrous results.
Ultimately, the tragedy of Flight 157 serves as both a cautionary tale for aviation authorities globally and a frank reminder about the vital importance of strict regulatory enforcement in the airline industry. Safeguarding human lives in air travel rests upon ensuring that operational safety margins are maintained and never compromised, for the consequences of negligence can indeed be fatal.
Each stakeholder in the aviation industry must reflect on these lessons and ensure that safety is not only a word but a continual, unwavering practice in every flight operation worldwide.
Part 1/10:
The Nightmare of Aerosucre: Flight 157 Incident
Aerosucre, a Colombian cargo airline, has a troubling safety record that raises significant concerns about aviation oversight in Colombia. With roots going back to 1969, the airline has sustained a notorious reputation, amassing 11 fatal accidents. The story of Flight 157, scheduled on December 20, 2016, is a stark example of the grave consequences that can arise from systemic negligence and unsafe operating practices in the aviation industry.
Background on Aerosucre
Part 2/10:
Operating predominantly with a fleet of aging Boeing aircraft, Aerosucre has documented a long history of accidents and incidents. Among these were cases of unauthorized passenger transport, load shifts that led to fatalities, and several aircraft written off due to various operational failures. For example, in 1989, a load shift caused an Aerosucre Caravel to crash into homes, killing five crew members and two people on the ground.
Part 3/10:
Despite its checkered history, Aerosucre remained crucial for transporting goods to remote parts of Colombia, especially during a tumultuous period characterized by civil unrest and infrastructure challenges. This contradiction between its service necessity and operational safety risks creates a complex narrative about the value and dangers of the aviation sector in less developed regions.
The Flight on December 20, 2016
Part 4/10:
On the fateful day, the crew of Flight 157 prepared to operate a round-trip cargo flight between El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá and German Olano Airport in Puerto Kenos. Puerto Kenos, located in a remote eastern region, was known for its limited access and reliance on cargo flights. After landing, the crew loaded nearly 20,000 kg of local products for export, significantly increasing their weight for the return trip.
Part 5/10:
The crew consisted of a captain with extensive flight experience, a first officer, and a flight engineer, alongside a mechanic and a load master, though details on the latter two are scarce. Notably, the captain was 58 years old and had over 6,800 flying hours on the Boeing 727, while the flight engineer was 72 years old—a detail that raises eyebrows, as many countries impose age limits on pilots, but not on engineers.
The Takeoff and Operational Oversights
Part 6/10:
As they prepared for departure, various oversights became apparent. They began the taxi to the runway without having received updated weather information, a critical oversight given the potential impact of the winds on their takeoff. Furthermore, reports indicated that while the aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight consisted of specific calculations, Aerosucre had a history of exceeding weight limits by carrying additional undisclosed cargo, which complicated matters even further.
Part 7/10:
Notably, the crew’s methods of using outdated takeoff speed cards led them to inadvertently select speeds appropriate for a different flap setting, compounding their risk. As they initiated the takeoff roll, they faced an assortment of factors including a 4-knot tailwind, which would further extend their takeoff distance beyond the already short runway.
The Tragic Crash
Part 8/10:
During the takeoff, the captain’s slow rotation technique became a critical failure point. Instead of promptly reaching takeoff angle, the aircraft began to roll off the end of the runway, encountering a perimeter fence, a tree, and a guard post, subsequently shedding an engine and landing gear upon impact. Somehow, amidst the chaos, the flight managed to become airborne briefly before descending sharply and crashing just outside the airport.
The aftermath was catastrophic—of the six onboard, four were instantly killed, and one later succumbed to injuries. The mechanic survived, highlighting the chilling nature of the event and the dangers typically faced by aviation personnel in hazardous operating environments.
Investigation and Findings
Part 9/10:
Investigators attributed the accident not only to pilot error but also to a broader systemic failure within Aerosucre and the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority. The findings categorically highlighted a lack of oversight surrounding the aircraft operations at unapproved airports, compounded by the airline's failure to implement necessary updates to flight manuals and operating procedures.
Consequences and Lessons
The recommendations issued following the investigation revolved around enforcing compliance with existing regulations—an unsettling indication of the lax safety culture within Aerosucre. There exists a general consensus that allowing frequent operational breaches, no matter how small, prepares the ground for potentially disastrous results.
Part 10/10:
Ultimately, the tragedy of Flight 157 serves as both a cautionary tale for aviation authorities globally and a frank reminder about the vital importance of strict regulatory enforcement in the airline industry. Safeguarding human lives in air travel rests upon ensuring that operational safety margins are maintained and never compromised, for the consequences of negligence can indeed be fatal.
Each stakeholder in the aviation industry must reflect on these lessons and ensure that safety is not only a word but a continual, unwavering practice in every flight operation worldwide.