Created Tuesday, Dec 9th 2025 18:22Z, last updated Tuesday, Dec 9th 2025 18:22Z
An Aerosucre Boeing 727-200 freighter, registration HK-5216 performing flight A4-2170 from Bogota (Colombia) to Panama City (Panama), departed Bogota's runway 14R when the transponder ceased transmitting. Upon ATC query the crew reported they had an electrical failure and confirmed they were without transponder. The aircraft returned to Bogota for a safe landing on runway 14L.
Colombia's DGCA reported: "On Saturday afternoon, a cargo aircraft that had taken off from El Dorado International Airport experienced a technical issue with its electrical and communications systems. The crew requested an immediate return and, after declaring an emergency, landed safely on the north runway. The situation was handled efficiently thanks to the correct application of procedures, the training of air traffic personnel, and the robustness of the Colombian air traffic management system, without consequences for third parties."
The aircraft is still on the ground in Bogota about 70 hours after landing back.
