Small Plane Crashes in Norte de Santander, Killing 15 Including Lawmaker

Satena, the state-owned airline, said Flight HK4709, a Beechcraft 1900, crashed near Curasica in Norte de Santander on Jan. 28, 2026, killing all 15 people aboard, authorities said.

The crash killed Rep. Diogenes Quintero Amaya and congressional candidate Carlos Salcedo, prompting public condolences from President Gustavo Petro and statements from the U Party, highlighting losses among regional leaders.

Colombia's Transportation Ministry said rescue teams located the wreckage after searches by the Air Force and National Army, and Satena said it will deploy resources to assist victims' families and clarify the circumstances.

Flight records show the aircraft departed Cúcuta at 11:42 a.m., lost contact with air traffic control at 11:54 a.m., was due to land at 12:05 p.m., and carried two crew members and 13 passengers.

Officials said they have opened an investigation into the cause, citing mountainous terrain, reports of heavy rain and ELN activity in the area, and that a hotline was established for relatives of those aboard.