On May 5, 2006, an IAI Arava 201 (registration GN-8168) operated by Venezuelan National Guard - Guardia Nacional Bolivariana de Venezuela was involved in an aviation accident near El Cedrito, Venezuela in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the crew started the descent prematurely. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
While cruising at 6,700 feet in marginal weather, the crew began descent to Caracas airport. Descending to 5,000 feet, the aircraft struck trees and crashed on a slope near El Cedrito, 29 km southwest of the airport. Wreckage was found two days later on May 7. The aircraft was destroyed; all five occupants were killed.
Accident Overview
On May 7, the wreckage of an aircraft was discovered on the slope of a mountain near the village of El Cedrito. The aircraft had been destroyed. All five occupants were killed.
Sequence of Events
While cruising at an altitude of 6,700 feet in marginal weather conditions, the crew initiated a descent toward Caracas-Maiquetía-Simón Bolívar Airport. The aircraft descended to 5,000 feet when it struck trees and impacted the mountain slope. The accident site was located approximately 29 kilometers southwest of the airport. The wreckage was found two days after the accident, on the morning of May 7.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident, as determined by the official investigation, was controlled flight into terrain after the crew started the descent prematurely.