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51 fatalities

Night Approach Accident at Maiquetía-Simon Bolivar Airport (N494PA)

Caracas, VenezuelaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 12, 1968, a Boeing 707 (registration N494PA) operated by Pan American World Airways - PAA was involved in an aviation accident near Caracas, Venezuela during landing or approach. 51 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the crew suffered an optical illusion, confounding the lights of the city of Maiquetía with the airport lights. This probably engaged the crew in a premature descent, causing the aircraft to crash into the sea. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 707
Photo: USAF / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

An aircraft crashed into the sea 18.4 km north of Maiquetía-Simon Bolivar Airport in Caracas after a night approach, killing all 51 occupants. The probable cause was an optical illusion leading to a premature descent.

Incident Overview and Outcome After completing an uneventful flight from New York-JFK, the crew initiated a night approach to Maiquetía-Simon Bolivar Airport in Caracas. During the final approach, the aircraft struck the water surface and crashed into the sea 18.4 km north of the airport. Few debris were found floating on the water, and all 51 occupants were killed in the accident. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, or operator. ## Probable Cause and Contributing Factors The official investigation concluded that the crew likely suffered an optical illusion, mistaking the lights of the city of Maiquetía for the airport lights. This error probably led to a premature descent, causing the aircraft to crash into the sea. The lack of visibility was identified as a probable contributing factor to the accident.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Dec 1968 Boeing 707 accident near Caracas, Venezuela?

An aircraft crashed into the sea 18.4 km north of Maiquetía-Simon Bolivar Airport in Caracas after a night approach, killing all 51 occupants. The probable cause was an optical illusion leading to a premature descent.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Dec 1968 Boeing 707 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 51 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Dec 1968 involved a Boeing 707, registration N494PA, operated by Pan American World Airways - PAA, at Caracas, Venezuela.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It is believed that the crew suffered an optical illusion, confounding the lights of the city of Maiquetía with the airport lights. This probably engaged the crew in a premature descent, causing the aircraft to crash into the sea. The lack of visibility was a probable contributing factor.

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