Charter Flight Crash in the Sea Near Los Roques Island (YV2615)

Departure and Flight Progression A twin-engine aircraft departed Los Roques Island Airport Runway 07 at 1132 local time on a charter flight to Caracas. The aircraft was carrying four passengers and two pilots. During the initial climb, the crew received clearance to climb to 6,500 feet. ## Loss of Control and Crash Seven minutes after departure, the crew informed air traffic control that they were climbing to 5,000 feet and reported their position approximately 10 nautical miles from the Gran Roque VOR. While cruising at 5,400 feet at a speed of 120 knots, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed into the sea. ## Search and Recovery Search and rescue operations initially failed to locate any trace of the aircraft or its six occupants, and operations were abandoned after one week. Among the passengers was Italian couturier Vittorio Missoni. In June 2013, debris was located at a depth of 75 meters, and five bodies were found on October 17, 2013. The wreckage was eventually recovered on November 25, 2013.