Key Facts
—Who. The Colombian Army: four crew and 15 soldiers of the platoon Báltico 2, Third Division.
—What. A Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk crashed on a supply and personnel transport flight; all 19 aboard are alive.
—Where. On the route between Popayán and Inzá, Cauca department, Colombia.
—When. Monday afternoon, 19 October 2026, local time (UTC-5).
—Injuries. Four people with fractures and 15 with bruises, all in stable condition.
—Cause. Not known; Army specialists and technicians are being sent to investigate.
—Why it matters. The helicopter is US-built, and Colombia’s Army flies US-made aircraft.
—Status. As of 20:15 GMT, 19 October 2026
A Colombian Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Cauca on Monday afternoon local time, with 19 people aboard. All survived, the Army says, and the aircraft is a US-built Sikorsky.
What We Know
The Army confirmed that a UH-60 Black Hawk crashed between Popayán and Inzá in Cauca department. The accident happened on Monday afternoon local time (UTC-5).
Nineteen people were aboard: four crew members and 15 soldiers. The soldiers, one non-commissioned officer and 14 professional soldiers, belong to the platoon known as Báltico 2.
El Tiempo places the platoon in the Army’s Third Division. It links the unit to Brigade 29 and the BILOP7 light infantry battalion.
One El Tiempo headline mentions only the 15 soldiers, while other outlets count 19 including the crew. We use 19, because that figure includes the four crew members.
The Army says no one died, stating that everyone is alive. El Tiempo and El Espectador report four injured with fractures and 15 with bruises, all in stable condition.
The aircraft was flying a military supply and personnel transport mission. El Tiempo identifies it by the registration EJC 2175.
The Army is sending specialists and technicians to begin an investigation into what happened. No cause has been announced so far.
El Espectador reports system failures that caused a loss of altitude. The Army has not confirmed that account.
What Is Not Known
The cause of the crash is not known. The Army says an investigation will begin.
The exact crash site and the terrain are not known. Neither is the condition of the aircraft.
It is also not known whether hostile fire has been ruled out. We do not speculate, and we will report what investigators say.
Background: A US-Built Helicopter in Cauca
The Black Hawk is a US-designed helicopter built by Sikorsky. Militaries around the world use it for troop and cargo transport.
Colombia’s Army operates US-made aircraft such as this one. Any link to US-supplied equipment will depend on the Army’s investigation.
Cauca lies in south-western Colombia. The reports on this crash describe an accident and do not mention an attack.
Peru also flies Black Hawks, as we reported in Peru Pays US to Keep 9 Black Hawks Flying. For more on the country, see our Colombia coverage.
What It Means for Travelers and US Readers
No deaths were reported, and the aircraft is US-made. The Army’s investigation has only just begun.
Travelers in Cauca should follow official local guidance and the US State Department’s travel advisory for Colombia. The reports we reviewed describe an accident involving military personnel only.
We have no information on road closures or other disruption in Cauca. We will report any new official details on the injured and the cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Colombian Army Black Hawk in Cauca?
A UH-60 Black Hawk crashed on Monday afternoon local time on the route between Popayán and Inzá. The Army says all 19 people aboard are alive.
Were there any deaths in the Colombia Black Hawk crash?
No deaths have been reported. Four people suffered fractures and 15 suffered bruises, according to El Tiempo and El Espectador.
What caused the Colombian Army helicopter accident?
The cause is not known, and the Army is sending specialists and technicians to investigate. El Espectador reports system failures that caused a loss of altitude, which the Army has not confirmed.
Why does the Cauca crash matter to US readers?
The Black Hawk is a US-designed Sikorsky helicopter, and Colombia’s Army operates US-made aircraft. The crash caused no reported deaths, and the cause is still under investigation.
Sources
Colombian Army statement as reported by El Tiempo · El Espectador · Semana · Blu Radio
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief