5 fatalities

Twin-engine crash near Cumaná airport kills five (YV-605C)

Cumaná, VenezuelaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 6, 1992, a Cessna 401 (registration YV-605C) operated by Tranaca was involved in an aviation accident near Cumaná, Venezuela during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Both engines failed due to fuel exhaustion during the approach phase. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

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

A twin-engine aircraft crashed eight kilometers short of the runway while approaching Cumaná-Antonio Jose de Sucre Airport, killing five people including German tourists and injuring one passenger due to suspected fuel exhaustion.

What happened

A twin-engine aircraft was on final approach to Cumaná-Antonio Jose de Sucre Airport when it crashed into the terrain approximately eight kilometers short of the runway threshold. The accident occurred during the landing phase of flight.

The impact resulted in significant casualties among those aboard. Five occupants were killed, including five German tourists. One passenger sustained serious injuries but survived the crash.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary factor leading to the accident was fuel exhaustion. It is believed that both engines failed due to a lack of fuel while the aircraft was on approach. This loss of power prevented the crew from completing the landing safely, resulting in the fatal crash.

Probable cause

Both engines failed due to fuel exhaustion during the approach phase.