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28 fatalities

1978-11-21: Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (HK-1393) — Taxi Aéreo El Venado — Rubio, Venezuela

Rubio, VenezuelaFlight

On November 21, 1978, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration HK-1393) operated by Taxi Aéreo El Venado was involved in an aviation accident near Rubio, Venezuela in flight. 28 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: For unknown reasons, the airplane was not following the correct route as mentioned on the flight plan and its altitude was insufficient, leading to controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781225885Data APIEditorial standards

While cruising at 11,200 feet in marginal weather, an airplane struck a mountain slope near Rubio, Venezuela. All 28 occupants died. The aircraft had deviated from its flight plan and was flying at insufficient altitude.

Accident Details

An airplane was cruising at an altitude of 11,200 feet in marginal weather conditions when it struck the slope of a mountain. The mountain is located approximately 30 kilometers south of Rubio in the Judio Mountain Range. The wreckage was discovered a few hours after the collision. All 28 occupants of the airplane were killed.

Probable Cause

According to the official findings, the probable cause of the accident was that, for unknown reasons, the airplane was not following the correct route as specified in its flight plan, and its altitude was insufficient. This resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

Controlled flight into terrain

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Same operator

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