Plane with 15 on board crashes in northern Colombia; no survivors

An aircraft carrying 15 people, including a congressional candidate, crashed in northern Colombia after losing contact with air traffic control, killing everyone on board, according to authorities and local media.

The aircraft, a Beechcraft 1900D turboprop operating a domestic flight from Cúcuta to Ocaña, lost communication late Wednesday morning, Colombia’s civil aviation authorities said. The plane was carrying 13 passengers and two crew members.

Local media later reported that the aircraft was found crashed in a rural area known as Curasica, in the municipality of Playa de Belén. Officials indicated there were no survivors.

The flight was operated by Satena, Colombia’s government-owned regional carrier. The air force and civil aviation authorities deployed aircraft and ground teams to locate the plane and support the investigation.

In a statement, Satena said the flight, designated NSE 8849, reported its last contact with air traffic control shortly before midday local time while en route to Ocaña. The airline said the aircraft was operated by contractor SEARCA.

Among those killed was Diógenes Quintero, a candidate for Colombia’s House of Representatives from Norte de Santander, his party said. He was traveling on the aircraft with members of his team.

Authorities said the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. No official cause has been released.