Flight Details
The aircraft departed Valencia-Arturo Michelana Airport on a private flight to Puerto Ordaz. On board were one passenger and two pilots. The flight was operating under private flight rules.
Accident Sequence
While cruising at an altitude of 30,000 feet, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and subsequently crashed in a near-vertical attitude. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate, resulting in the deaths of all three occupants.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. According to the findings, the copilot likely vacated his seat in favor of a passenger who lacked any qualification to operate the aircraft, shortly after takeoff. During the en-route phase, a failure of the primary pitch trim system was simulated by the activation of the secondary system. This resulted in abnormal operation of the pitch trim system, followed by a violent loss of altitude and an overspeed condition.