What happened
During the final approach phase at Maracaibo-Grano de Oro Airport, the flight crew identified a mechanical malfunction involving the aircraft's landing gear. Specifically, the gear could not be deployed into the locked position for landing.
Due to the inability to extend the gear, the pilot performed a belly landing on the runway. Following the touchdown, the aircraft slid across the ground for a distance of several yards. The friction or mechanical stress caused the aircraft to catch fire before it finally came to a stop. Despite the intensity of the flames, all 20 occupants managed to evacuate the plane without injury.
While there were no casualties, the aircraft sustained heavy damage and was declared a total loss.
Findings
Official investigations into the incident concluded that the primary factor leading to the emergency landing was a landing gear failure.