What happened
During an approach to La Romana Airport, the flight crew reported experiencing mechanical issues to air traffic control. The aircraft was in the process of descending from its previous position in Caracas when the technical complications arose. Unable to continue the approach to the runway, the crew performed an emergency ditching in the waters located approximately 64 km southeast of Saona Island.
Following the impact with the water, rescue operations were conducted by the Porto Rico Coast Guards. Out of the total number of people on board, there was one fatality and six survivors were successfully recovered from the scene.
Findings
- The crew notified air traffic control of technical problems prior to the ditching.
- The incident occurred during the descent phase of the flight.