Colombian Aerospace Force C-130B/H Destroyed

A Colombian Aerospace Force C-130H Hercules transport crashed approximately 1.5 km from Caucayá Airport in Puerto Leguízamo, Putumayo department, moments after takeoff on March 23, 2026. The aircraft carried 128 military personnel and crew bound for operational postings near the southern border with Ecuador and Peru. At least 70 were killed, including soldiers, air force personnel, and police officers, while 56 survivors were rescued from the jungle crash site. Ammunition on board detonated upon impact, setting the wreckage ablaze. The black box was recovered on March 25; investigators are examining mechanical failure, pilot error, and excess weight as possible causes.