On February 12, 2024, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration HC-CXK) operated by ESAV Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near San Cristóbal, Ecuador during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine airplane crashed into the ocean near Punta Carola, resulting in the loss of the aircraft but no fatalities.
What happened
An accident involving a twin engine airplane occurred approximately 1.5 km from the shoreline of Punta Carola, located on San Cristóbal Island in the Galapagos. The aircraft was performing a flight toward Puerto Villamil Airport on Isabela Island at the time of the incident. During the flight, the plane went down into the sea and subsequently sank.
Despite the impact and the sinking of the vessel, all nine occupants were successfully pulled from the water. There were zero fatalities reported following the rescue operations.
Findings
Information regarding the specific mechanical or operational reasons for the crash remains unavailable, though the aircraft was confirmed to be in transit to its destination prior to the impact with the water.