What happened
On a flight originating from Puerto Plata-Gregorio Luperón Airport, a twin engine aircraft departed at 17:18 local time, destined for Santa Cruz de Barahona. During the flight, the pilot received notification that the destination airport had ceased all operations after 17:00. In response to this information, the pilot elected to abort the mission and return to the departure airport.
Shortly after this decision, the aircraft ceased all radio contact with air traffic control. Eight minutes following the final communication, the plane vanished from radar surveillance. Initial search and rescue efforts by Dominican authorities focused on the possibility of a crash within the Septentrional mountain range.
However, the wreckage was eventually located in a marshy region near Lake Maracaibo, situated over 1,000 km south of the original departure point. Upon discovery, all three occupants were found alive. Following their rescue, the individuals were taken into custody by authorities.
Findings
Investigations by Venezuelan officials indicated that the flight was being used for illegal narcotics transport.