Accident Details
On February 18, 2008, at about 1815 Venezuelan local time, a Cessna 650, registration N385EM, was destroyed when it impacted the savanna near Caico Seco, Anzoategui, Venezuela. The two pilots and one passenger, all Venezuelan citizens, were fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
Flight Information
The flight was conducted under Venezuelan flight regulations and was operating on an instrument flight rules flight plan. The aircraft had departed from Arturo Michelena International Airport (SWA) in Valencia, Carabobo, and was en route to Manual Carlos Piar International Airport (PZO) in Puerto Ordaz, Bolivar.
Initial Findings
Preliminary information indicated that the airplane was in cruise flight at flight level 300 when it dove into the ground. There were no distress calls from the crew, and authorities reported no inclement weather in the area at the time of the accident.
Investigation
The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the government of Venezuela, specifically the Junta Investigadora de Accidentes de Aviación of the Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Infraestructura. Further information may be obtained from the Venezuelan authorities.