Colombian Hercules C-130 Crashes After Takeoff, Death Toll Rises to 66

A Colombian Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Leguizamo airport in Putumayo province on March 23, 2026.

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ABC

The Lockheed Martin-built aircraft was carrying 125 people, including 114 passengers and 11 crew members, when it went down in the remote Amazonian region near Colombia's border with Peru.

ABC

According to eyewitness accounts and official reports, the plane suffered an impact near the end of the runway during takeoff, with one wing clipping a tree as it descended.

The crash triggered a massive fire that caused explosive devices being transported onboard to detonate, further intensifying the destruction.

The remote location and dense jungle terrain significantly complicated rescue operations in the aftermath.

The death toll from the catastrophic crash rose dramatically throughout the day, initially reported at lower figures before reaching 66 confirmed fatalities by Monday evening.

Among the victims were 58 soldiers from the National Army, six Air Force personnel, and two National Police officers.

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Four military personnel remained unaccounted for as search and recovery operations continued.

Rescue efforts faced significant challenges due to the remote location and difficult terrain.

Local residents initially pulled survivors from the wreckage using motorcycles to transport injured soldiers.

Emergency response teams worked to stabilize casualties before airlifting them to hospitals in Bogota and other urban centers.

Colombian authorities immediately launched a formal investigation into the disaster.

“Local press reports indicated there were between 80 and 120 uniformed personnel on board”

Acento

The Colombian Air Force's Inspector General is leading the technical examination.

Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez ruled out any attack by illegal armed groups.

Preliminary investigations found no indication of external involvement.

The investigation will focus on mechanical failures, operational conditions, and environmental influences.

Challenging meteorological conditions in the Amazon region may have affected aircraft performance.

Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez offered condolences.

Lockheed Martin expressed sorrow and committed to supporting the investigation.

The crash occurred in a strategically significant region of Putumayo department.

The area has seen heavy military activity in recent weeks against drug-trafficking cartels and militias.

AeroTime

The C-130 Hercules aircraft has been in Colombian service since the late 1960s.

The specific aircraft was donated by the United States to Colombia in 2020.

This is the second C-130 crash in South America in less than a month.

A Bolivian C-130 crashed in El Alto on February 27, killing more than 20 people.

The Hercules is designed to operate from short, unprepared runways.

This capability makes it valuable for Colombia's remote regions but presents operational challenges.

President Gustavo Petro highlighted bureaucratic obstacles delaying military modernization.

“The plane was ferrying troops at the time of the incident”

Al Bawaba

Petro issued a stern warning that further delays would not be tolerated.

Al Bawaba

He emphasized that 'the lives of our young people are at stake' in his X post.

Petro threatened to remove officials not up to the challenge of modernizing the armed forces.

The president had previously criticized budget cuts reducing flight hours.

Aviation expert Erich Saumeth disputed maintenance issues as the likely cause.

The specific aircraft had undergone detailed engine inspection in 2023.

The crash intensified scrutiny on Colombia's military aviation safety.

Calls have emerged for accelerated modernization efforts.