The Colombian authorities have declared a state of emergency after the disappearance of a SATENA airline plane that was covering the route between Cúcuta and Ocaña. The plane, a Beechcraft 1900 with registration HK4709 operated by the SEARCA company, lost contact with air traffic control at 11:54 am today.
Flight and passenger details
Flight NSE 8849 took off from the Camilo Daza airport in Cúcuta at 11:42 am and was scheduled to land at the Aguas Claras airport in Ocaña at approximately 12:05 pm However, minutes before its arrival, the trace of the aircraft disappeared from the radars.
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There were 13 passengers and 2 crew members on board. Among the occupants, the presence of political figures of regional and national relevance has been confirmed:
Diógenes Quintero: Representative to the Chamber and recognized leader of Catatumbo.
Carlos Salcedo: Candidate for the Peace Seats.
#Attention Congressman Diógenes Quintero and candidate Carlos Salcedo are among the passengers of the plane that disappeared from radar while covering the Cúcuta Ocaña route. Authorities are advancing the search.
— Ricardo Ospina (@ricarospina) January 28, 2026
Search and rescue work
Given the loss of communication, SATENA and Civil Aeronautics immediately activated the search protocols. Operations are currently coordinated with:
The Command and Control Center of the Colombian Aerospace Force, which has deployed air units to fly over the mountainous area of Catatumbo, specifically between the municipalities of Hacarí and La Playa de Belén.
The Technical and Accident Investigation Directorate of Civil Aeronautics.
Information for family members
The airline has set up a telephone line (601) 919 3333 so that the families of those on board can receive official information and direct assistance.
So far, the weather conditions and difficult topography of the region represent the biggest challenge for rescue teams. It is expected that in the next few hours a new official report will be issued on the whereabouts of the plane and its occupants.
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