No fatalities

Aircraft crash off San Cristóbal Island, Galapagos (HC-CXK)

San Cristóbal, EcuadorTakeoff (climb)

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).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Feb 2024 Britten-Norman Islander accident near San Cristóbal, Ecuador?

A twin-engine airplane crashed into the ocean near Punta Carola, resulting in the loss of the aircraft but no fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Feb 2024 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Feb 2024 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration HC-CXK, operated by ESAV Airlines, at San Cristóbal, Ecuador.