Engine failure and ditching near Barcelona, Venezuela

No fatalities • Barcelona, Venezuela • Flight

An aircraft en route from Porlamar to Charallave experienced a dual engine failure during cruise, resulting in a successful ditching in the sea.

What happened

During a flight traveling from Porlamar toward Charallave, the aircraft was maintaining a cruising altitude of 3,000 feet when it experienced a simultaneous failure of both engines. Following the loss of power, the pilot initiated a descent to a lower altitude to manage the emergency.

Approximately 33 km north of Barcelona, the crew performed a ditching maneuver on the water. All three occupants were able to exit the aircraft and successfully evacuated into a lifeboat. The crew remained in the lifeboat until they were located and recovered by the Venezuelan coastguard roughly one hour after the incident.

Following the ditching, the aircraft submerged and was subsequently lost.

Probable cause

The simultaneous failure of both engines during the cruise phase of flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-12-28 Cessna 402 accident near Barcelona, Venezuela?

An aircraft en route from Porlamar to Charallave experienced a dual engine failure during cruise, resulting in a successful ditching in the sea.

Were there any fatalities in the 2015-12-28 Cessna 402 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-12-28 involved a Cessna 402, registration YV3101, operated by Private Venezuela, at Barcelona, Venezuela.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The simultaneous failure of both engines during the cruise phase of flight.

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