What happened
During a night flight originating from New York-JFK, the crew initiated an approach toward Maiquetía-Simon Bolivar Airport in Caracas. While performing the final stage of the approach, the aircraft type impacted the water surface and subsequently crashed into the sea at a location 18.4 km north of the coast. Following the impact, minimal debris was observed floating on the ocean surface. The accident resulted in 51 fatalities, with no survivors reported among the occupants.
Findings
Investigations into the crash suggest that the crew experienced an optical illusion during the descent. It is believed that the lights from the city of Maiquetía were mistaken for the airport's runway lighting, which led to a premature descent toward the water. Additionally, limited visibility was identified as a contributing factor in the sequence of events leading to the impact.