9 fatalities

2019-12-19: Beechcraft 100 King Air (YV1104) — Representaciones Aero3 — Charallave-Óscar Machado Zuloaga, Venezuela

Charallave-Óscar Machado Zuloaga, VenezuelaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 19, 2019, a Beechcraft 100 King Air (registration YV1104) operated by Representaciones Aero3 was involved in an aviation accident near Charallave-Óscar Machado Zuloaga, Venezuela during landing or approach. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the decision to proceed with the landing maneuver under critical weather conditions, without a risk assessment or adjustment of safety margins, resulted in the degradation of the flight's systemic defenses. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781190646Data APIEditorial standards

On approach to Charallave Airport in heavy rain, the airplane impacted hilly terrain 600 meters southwest of the runway threshold. The aircraft disintegrated, killing all nine occupants.

Flight History

The flight originated from Guasipati and was uneventful until the descent phase. The pilot was cleared to begin descent to Charallave-Óscar Machado Zuloaga Airport. Upon reaching 6,000 feet on approach, air traffic control cleared the pilot for an approach to runway 10 and advised that weather conditions at the airport were poor due to heavy rainfall.

Accident Sequence

On short final, the airplane struck hilly terrain approximately 600 meters southwest of the runway 10 threshold, at an elevation below that of the airport. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate, and all nine occupants sustained fatal injuries.

Probable Cause

The accident was caused by the decision to proceed with the landing maneuver under critical weather conditions, without a risk assessment or adjustment of safety margins, resulting in the degradation of the flight's systemic defenses. The execution of an instructional flight carrying passengers simultaneously with adverse weather phenomena increased the workload and risk profile of the flight.