Aircraft crash near Charallave-Óscar Machado Zuloaga Airport

4 fatalities • Charallave-Óscar Machado Zuloaga, Venezuela • Landing (descent or approach)

A positioning flight crashed into a mountainside during an unapproved approach near Charallave, Venezuela, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a positioning flight traveling from Caracas Intl Airport to Charallave-Óscar Machado Zuloaga, the flight crew encountered difficulties during the descent phase. Upon learning that the Instrument Landing System (ILS) glideslope for runway 10 was not operational, the captain opted to execute an unapproved LOC/DME approach under night conditions.

While the co-pilot was acting as the pilot-in-command, the aircraft descended to approximately 2,500 feet. During this approach, the plane collided with the slope of a mountain situated roughly 9.3 km from the destination airport. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate, and all four occupants on board were killed.

Findings

  • The crew attempted to perform an unapproved approach procedure after being notified of unserviceable landing aids.
  • The collision occurred during the approach phase of flight at night.

Probable cause

The crew attempted an unauthorized approach procedure using unserviceable navigation aids, leading to a controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-06-17 Gulfstream GII accident near Charallave-Óscar Machado Zuloaga, Venezuela?

A positioning flight crashed into a mountainside during an unapproved approach near Charallave, Venezuela, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1991-06-17 Gulfstream GII accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-06-17 involved a Gulfstream GII, registration N204RC, operated by Castor Trading Company, at Charallave-Óscar Machado Zuloaga, Venezuela.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew attempted an unauthorized approach procedure using unserviceable navigation aids, leading to a controlled flight into terrain.

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