On July 24, 2004, a Beechcraft 350 Super King Air (registration YV-910CP) operated by Wyngs Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Punto Fijo, Venezuela during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was diverted and subsequently crashed following an illegal takeover of the cockpit by armed passengers. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine charter flight was hijacked by passengers during an unauthorized diversion, resulting in a crash upon arrival at Punto Fijo.
What happened
A charter flight involving a twin engine aircraft was traveling from La Carlota to Calabozo with a total of six people on board, including two pilots and four passengers. During the operation at Calabozo Airport, the four passengers utilized firearms to seize control of the aircraft from the crew. Following the takeover, the plane was diverted on an unauthorized flight toward Punto Fijo.
Upon reaching the destination, the aircraft crashed. While the impact resulted in the total destruction of the twin engine aircraft, there were no fatalities or injuries reported among the occupants.
Findings
The incident was precipitated by armed passengers seizing control of the cockpit to force a change in the flight path.
Probable cause
The aircraft was diverted and subsequently crashed following an illegal takeover of the cockpit by armed passengers.