Colombia Plane Crash Claims 15 Lives, Including Politician

Colombia Plane Crash Claims 15 Lives, Including Politician

By Paul V. Young – TheNATIONWEEK.com | January 29, 2026

OCANA, Colombia – A devastating plane crash in northeastern Colombia on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of all 15 people on board.

The aircraft, a Beechcraft 1900 twin-engine turboprop operated by the state-run airline Satena, crashed while en route to the town of Ocana from Cucuta near the Venezuelan border.

Air traffic control lost contact with the aircraft 12 minutes after its midday departure.

Satena has yet to determine the cause of the crash, noting that the plane’s emergency beacon was not activated.

Among the victims were lawmaker Diogenes Quintero, members of his team, and Carlos Salcedo, a congressional candidate for the upcoming March elections, according to a passenger manifest.

Images from the crash site depict significant damage to the aircraft’s fuselage.

The crash occurred in a mountainous region known for coca leaf cultivation, the raw material for cocaine.

Illegal armed groups, including the National Liberation Army and a dissident faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, are known to operate in the area.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

The difficult terrain and the presence of armed groups are complicating recovery and investigation efforts. (FARC), are known to operate in the area.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. 

The difficult terrain and the presence of armed groups may complicate recovery and investigation efforts.