Flight Details
On 3 September at 0903 local time, a chartered aircraft operated by the Socony Mobil Oil Company of Venezuela departed Maiquetía International Airport on a special flight to Barinas. The airplane carried a crew of three and five passengers.
Emergency Declaration
Later that day, after the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination or any neighboring airports, an emergency was declared. Search efforts commenced.
Wreckage Discovery
The wreckage was located on 12 September in the Penas Blancas Hills. There were no survivors.
Probable Cause
Official findings identified multiple contributing factors:
- Bad weather and its influence on radio communications and the radio compass.
- Deviation from the recommended route, leading the aircraft into a dangerous area.
- Flying at an inadequate altitude between Boconó and Barinas.