Accident
On a charter flight from Los Roques to Caracas, a twin-engine airplane carrying nine passengers and one pilot experienced a dual engine failure while on approach to Caracas-Maiquetía-Simón Bolívar Airport. The pilot had been cleared to descend to 1,500 feet and completed two circuits. After further clearance to 1,000 feet, two additional circuits were flown as the aircraft was seventh in the approach sequence. While descending through 600 feet, both engines failed simultaneously. The pilot executed a ditching approximately 4 km from the airport. All ten occupants were rescued; three sustained injuries. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Investigation
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. The double engine failure on approach was caused by fuel exhaustion. The pilot's poor flight preparation and planning led to a miscalculation of fuel consumption for the required trip.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident is a double engine failure on approach caused by fuel exhaustion, resulting from poor flight preparation and planning on the part of the pilot, who miscalculated the fuel consumption for the required trip.