On Feb 20th 2026, a LATAM Airlines Chile Airbus A320-200, registration CC-COF, rejected its takeoff at very high speed in Bogotá after a military helicopter crossed the runway ahead.
Flight LA-4278 from Bogotá to San Andrés Island was accelerating along runway 14R with 157 people on board when the crew initiated a rejected takeoff at approximately 160 knots over ground. The decision came after a military helicopter crossed the runway at low height while departing, reportedly about midway down the strip.
The aircraft decelerated safely and exited onto the parallel taxiway. However, due to the intense braking required at such high speed, the aircraft’s tyres deflated as a result of overheated brakes. There were no injuries among passengers or crew.
Colombia’s civil aviation authority, Aerocivil, confirmed that the helicopter had just departed and crossed runway 14R, prompting the A320 crew to abort the takeoff. The authority stated that the occurrence is under investigation.
According to tower recordings, it appears that both aircraft had been cleared for takeoff, raising serious questions about runway coordination and separation procedures.
High-speed rejected takeoffs are among the most critical maneuvers in airline operations, requiring maximum braking and precise crew coordination. In this case, the crew’s rapid response prevented what could have escalated into a far more serious runway conflict.
