SAM Colombia Flight 501 was a SAM Colombia Boeing 727-46 that crashed on May 19, 1993, killing all 132 on board, including several Panamanian dentists on their way to a convention. The crew reported over the Abejorral NDB beacon at FL160, approaching Medellín. The flight was then cleared to descend to FL120. The 727 had actually not yet reached the beacon, and descended into mountainous terrain. The flight struck Mount Paramo Frontino at 12,300 feet. Thunderstorm activity in the area made ADF navigation more difficult and the Medellín VOR/DME had been attacked by terrorists and was unserviceable.
SAM Colombia Flight 501
Questions and Answers
Q: What was SAM Colombia Flight 501?
A: SAM Colombia Flight 501 was a Boeing 727-46 that crashed on May 19, 1993, killing all 132 passengers on board.
Q: What caused the crash of SAM Colombia Flight 501?
A: SAM Colombia Flight 501 crashed because it descended into mountainous terrain while approaching Medellín. The crew reported being over the Abejorral NDB beacon, but they had not yet reached it.
Q: Why was ADF navigation more difficult for SAM Colombia Flight 501?
A: Thunderstorm activity in the area made ADF navigation more difficult for SAM Colombia Flight 501.
Q: Why was the Medellín VOR/DME unserviceable?
A: The Medellín VOR/DME was unserviceable because it had been attacked by terrorists.
Q: How many people were killed in the crash of SAM Colombia Flight 501?
A: All 132 people on board SAM Colombia Flight 501 were killed in the crash.
Q: Were there any specific people who were on board SAM Colombia Flight 501?
A: Yes, several Panamanian dentists were on board SAM Colombia Flight 501 on their way to a convention.
Q: What altitude was the SAM Colombia Flight 501 at when it struck Mount Paramo Frontino?
A: SAM Colombia Flight 501 was at an altitude of 12,300 feet when it struck Mount Paramo Frontino.