Incident Overview
While approaching the Island of Margarita, en route from Maiquetía-Simon Bolivar Airport to Porlamar, the crew of a government aircraft encountered control difficulties. The pilots informed air traffic control about hydraulic problems. Subsequently, they initiated a rapid descent to 3,000 feet, apparently with the intention to ditch the aircraft. However, the aircraft went out of control and crashed into the sea approximately 16 kilometers west of Punta Arenas.
Aftermath
The aircraft disintegrated on impact, and only a few pieces of debris were found floating on the water. All nine occupants were killed. Among the victims were officers flying on behalf of the Vice-Presidency of the Venezuelan Government. The exact circumstances leading to the loss of control remain unconfirmed by official investigation sources.