Aircraft crash on Mount Duida following takeoff from Toqui Airport

5 fatalities • Mt Duida, Venezuela • Takeoff (climb)

A single-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside shortly after departing Toqui Airport due to heavy smoke from nearby forest fires.

What happened

Six minutes after departing from Toqui Airport, a single engine aircraft impacted the slope of Mt Duida. The flight was in its initial climb phase when it struck the terrain, resulting in a fatal accident.

During the ascent, the pilot encountered significantly degraded visibility. This lack of visual clarity was caused by dense smoke originating from an active forest fire in the area. The wreckage of the plane was located by search teams several days after the incident occurred.

Findings

There were five fatalities recorded in the crash, involving all occupants on board. The accident occurred amidst hazardous atmospheric conditions created by the surrounding wildfire.

Probable cause

The pilot encountered heavy smoke from a forest fire that severely limited visibility during the climb.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-03-23 Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair accident near Mt Duida, Venezuela?

A single-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside shortly after departing Toqui Airport due to heavy smoke from nearby forest fires.

Were there any fatalities in the 1998-03-23 Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-03-23 involved a Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair, registration YV-2557P, operated by Mision Nuevas Tribas, at Mt Duida, Venezuela.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot encountered heavy smoke from a forest fire that severely limited visibility during the climb.

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