SRINAGAR: A Satena passenger aircraft crashed in northeastern Colombia on Wednesday, 2026, killing all 15 people on board, including a serving lawmaker and a congressional candidate, BBC News reported.
The state-owned airline said the small aircraft was flying from Cúcuta to Ocaña when it went down in a remote mountainous region. The plane had departed Camilo Daza International Airport shortly before midday and was en route to Aguas Claras Airport.
UPDATE: Satena Flight 8849 crashed near Cucuta, Colombia with 15 people on board. Wreckage found. Currently no sign of survivors. pic.twitter.com/U2QOmx7Ywo
— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) January 28, 2026
Authorities said the Beechcraft 1900 twin-engine turboprop lost contact with air traffic control about 12 minutes after take-off, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation involving aviation and military teams. The wreckage was later located in a rural area near La Playa de Belén in Colombia’s Norte de Santander department, known for its steep terrain and dense vegetation.
Among the victims were Diógenes Quintero, a 36-year-old member of the House of Representatives who represented victims of Colombia’s decades-long armed conflict, and Carlos Salcedo, a social activist and candidate in the upcoming congressional elections. Two crew members and several other passengers were also on board, with authorities continuing efforts to formally identify all those killed.
President Gustavo Petro and Vice President Francia Márquez expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims.
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Civil aviation authorities have launched an investigation and are analysing flight data and wreckage to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The tragedy has triggered nationwide mourning and renewed focus on the challenges and risks of air travel in Colombia’s remote and rugged regions.
