Aircraft crash on Mt Laja near Lobatera

6 fatalities • Lobatera, Venezuela • Flight

A twin-engine charter flight crashed into a mountainside near Lobatera, resulting in the deaths of all six people on board.

What happened

A charter flight operating from Valera Airport was en route to San Antonio del Táchira, with a scheduled stop at El Vigía. The flight was carrying one pilot and five passengers. While the mission was initially conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), deteriorating weather conditions during the descent into San Antonio del Táchira prompted the pilot to transition to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).

During this phase of the flight, the aircraft experienced a loss of control. The plane struck the slope of Mt Laja, located in the vicinity of Lobatera. The wreckage was subsequently located approximately 25 km northeast of the San Antonio del Táchira Airport. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate, and there were six fatalities among the occupants.

Findings

  • The flight transitioned from VFR to IFR due to worsening weather conditions during the descent.
  • The aircraft crashed following a loss of control while maneuvering through the mountains.

Probable cause

The loss of control during a descent in deteriorating weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-02-22 Cessna 340 accident near Lobatera, Venezuela?

A twin-engine charter flight crashed into a mountainside near Lobatera, resulting in the deaths of all six people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 2011-02-22 Cessna 340 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-02-22 involved a Cessna 340, registration YV2402, operated by Maparca Compañía Aérea, at Lobatera, Venezuela.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of control during a descent in deteriorating weather conditions.

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