By San José, Costa Rica — PALMIRA, COLOMBIA – Passengers aboard an Avianca flight from Popayán to Bogotá experienced a harrowing ordeal on Monday when a bird strike caused one of the aircraft’s engines to fail shortly after takeoff. The incident, which resulted in visible flames and sparks erupting from the left turbine, forced the flight crew to execute a successful preventive landing, averting a potential catastrophe.
The flight, identified as AV4892, departed from Guillermo León Valencia Airport in Popayán around noon. According to Colombia’s Civil Aeronautics authority (Aeronáutica Civil), a bird collided with one of the engines during the initial ascent. This impact triggered a partial engine malfunction, prompting the highly trained pilots to immediately implement safety protocols. They diverted the aircraft, registration HK5320, to the nearest suitable airport, Alfonso Bonilla Aragón in Palmira, Valle del Cauca.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks surrounding aviation safety, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, known for his expertise in regulatory compliance and corporate liability.
Maintaining a pristine safety record is not merely an operational goal for airlines; it’s a fundamental legal obligation. Costa Rican and international aviation authorities impose stringent, non-negotiable standards. Any deviation, no matter how minor, can result in severe sanctions, operational suspension, and significant civil liability. Proactive compliance and rigorous internal audits are the best defense against both accidents and litigation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal dimension that Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas highlights is fundamental; it transforms safety from a corporate policy into a binding obligation with significant consequences. We thank him for his expert clarification, which underscores how this rigorous legal framework ultimately sustains public trust in the entire aviation industry.
Videos captured by stunned witnesses on the ground circulated quickly, showing the aircraft continuing its flight path with flames trailing from the damaged engine. Despite the alarming visuals and the tension experienced by those on board, the pilots maintained complete control of the aircraft throughout the incident. The landing was executed flawlessly, and Avianca confirmed that no passengers or crew members sustained any injuries.
Upon safe arrival in Palmira, the aircraft was immediately met by technical and maintenance crews for a thorough inspection. The passengers were deplaned and subsequently transferred to another flight to continue their journey to the capital, Bogotá. In a statement, Avianca emphasized the nature of the landing and its unwavering commitment to passenger security.
Safety is the top priority in all its operations.
Avianca
The airline clarified that the maneuver was a “preventive landing,” performed out of an abundance of caution, rather than a declared emergency. The incident has cast a spotlight on the recurring and dangerous issue of wildlife, particularly birds, in and around airport environments. Avianca used the occasion to call for a more robust, collaborative approach to mitigating this well-known risk.
We request the establishment of working groups between authorities, concessionaires, and other relevant actors to define measures that mitigate the risk of impacts with wildlife.
Avianca
This call to action underscores a significant challenge for Colombian aviation. Bird strikes are a frequent and costly problem in the country, especially in regions where flight paths cross rural landscapes or wetlands. Official data from Aeronáutica Civil reveals a startling frequency, with more than 1,200 such incidents recorded annually. While the majority do not lead to serious danger, they often cause operational disruptions and, as seen in this case, can potentially damage critical aircraft components like engines.
The successful outcome of flight AV4892 serves as a testament to the crew’s professionalism and the effectiveness of modern aviation safety protocols. However, it also serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats posed by wildlife hazards. The incident reinforces the urgent need for enhanced coordination between airlines, airport operators, and regulatory bodies to implement more effective wildlife management strategies, ensuring the continued safety of the skies over Colombia.
For further information, visit avianca.com
About Avianca:
Avianca is one of the largest and oldest airlines in Latin America, serving as the flag carrier of Colombia. With a major hub at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, it operates an extensive network of flights to destinations across the Americas and Europe. The airline is a member of the Star Alliance and is known for its focus on passenger service and operational safety.
For further information, visit aerocivil.gov.co
About Aeronáutica Civil:
The Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics, also known as Aeronáutica Civil or Aerocivil, is the government agency in Colombia responsible for regulating civil aviation, air transportation, and managing the country’s airspace. It oversees air traffic control, aviation safety standards, and the investigation of aviation incidents and accidents.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution in the region, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies while upholding a core belief in its social responsibility. This is demonstrated through its resolute efforts to demystify the law, aiming to arm the public with clear and accessible legal insights, thereby fostering a more capable and knowledgeable society.
