Photo: Social networks
In the early hours of this Sunday, September 29, 2024, A tragic plane accident in the Garabato village, municipality of Cumaribo, Vichada, left eight members of the Colombian Air Force (FAC) dead. The Huey II helicopter, registration FAC-4441, was on a humanitarian aeromedical evacuation mission when it lost communication with the base and crashed to the ground.
The helicopter had departed from Grupo Aéreo del Oriente (GAORI), located in the department of Vichada, bound for Cumaribo. According to preliminary information, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control in the early morning hours, prompting an intense search by military authorities. Finally, thanks to the support of FAC aircraft, the crashed helicopter was located.
Unfortunately, the Air Force confirmed that there were no survivors among the crew.
The deceased were identified as:
– Captain Julián Perilla Pinto
– Second Lieutenant Edgar Durán Villarreal
– Second Technician Jhonattan Caro Rincón
– Third Technician Liceth Duarte Barbosa
– Fourth Coach Karel Rojas Núñez
– Fourth Coach Luis Montoya Ospina
– Fourth Technician Ana María Gutiérrez Bolívar
– Fourth Technician María González Ramírez
We deeply regret the loss of the crew of the Huey II FAC-4441 helicopter, who died in the line of duty, following an accident in the #Vichada.
Our condolences to their families and friends.
Announcement ➡️ pic.twitter.com/7sAiZmAZ4b
— Colombian Air Force (@FuerzaAereaCol) September 29, 2024
The authorities have begun rescue efforts and, according to an official statement, the families of the deceased are receiving psychological and emotional support from specialized teams.
Although the exact cause of the accident has not yet been determined, early versions indicate that adverse weather conditions in the area could have been a determining factor.
The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, also spoke about the unfortunate event through his account on the social network , his helicopter crashed to the ground. A hug of solidarity to their families in the midst of this news that mourns the country,” said the president.
I regret to report the death of 8 members of the @FuerzaAereaCol who were traveling on a humanitarian mission in the department of Vichada, their helicopter crashed to the ground. A hug of solidarity to their families in the midst of this news that mourns the country.
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) September 29, 2024
The FAC-4441 helicopter was assigned to an aeromedical evacuation operation, a fundamental task in areas with difficult access such as the department of Vichada. The support of the Air Force in these efforts is crucial to guarantee that remote communities can receive timely medical assistance.
2024-09-29 22:43:23
#Air #Force #soldiers #died #helicopter #accident #Vichada
