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Aviation Safety · Colombia · Defense Spending · Military Crash
A Colombian military Hercules C-130 plane carrying 121 people, including 110 soldiers and 11 crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff in Puerto Leguizamo, Putumayo province, on Monday, March 23, 2026, resulting in at least one confirmed death and 77 injuries, with many more feared dead.
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed the "tragic accident" and stated there were no signs of a rebel attack. Air force commander Carlos Fernando Silva reported the plane experienced a problem and went down two kilometers from the airport.
President Gustavo Petro used the incident to advocate for modernizing military equipment, citing "bureaucratic difficulties" and calling for accountability from officials. Aviation expert Erich Saumeth noted the plane underwent a detailed overhaul three years prior, with its engine inspected and key components replaced, suggesting the crash was not due to a lack of good parts.
