Accident Overview
On July 4, 2017, at approximately 1745 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Gulfstream 1159A aircraft, bearing Venezuela registration YV2895, descended into the Caribbean Sea northwest of Nueva Esparta, Venezuela, and was presumed to be destroyed. The aircraft was operating as a foreign, non-commercial personal flight under an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area at the time.
Flight Details
The flight departed from Margarita Del Caribe International Airport (SVMG), Nueva Esparta, Venezuela, at about 1725 UTC, with a planned destination of Maiquetia Simon Bolivar International Airport (SVMI), Vargas, Venezuela.
Sequence of Events
After takeoff, the airplane proceeded on a west-northwesterly heading and climbed to 20,000 feet. During cruise flight, a flight crewmember advised the controller of a malfunction of the hydraulic system, and the aircraft descended to 16,000 feet. Subsequently, a flight crewmember reported a discrepancy with the flight controls. While flying at 3,000 feet, radio contact was lost. A search for the aircraft and occupants was initiated, but the main wreckage has not been recovered.
Occupants and Injuries
Two occupants were recovered and were fatally injured. The remaining seven occupants were not recovered and were presumed to be fatally injured.
Investigation
The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the government of Venezuela. Further information may be obtained from the General Directorate for Research and Prevention of Air Accidents in Caracas, Venezuela.