1988-09-05: IAI Arava 201 (GN-7952) — Venezuelan National Guard - Guardia Nacional Bolivariana de Venezuela — La Carlota-General Francisco de Miranda AFB (Caracas), Venezuela
La Carlota-General Francisco de Miranda AFB (Caracas), VenezuelaTakeoff (climb)
On September 5, 1988, an IAI Arava 201 (registration GN-7952) operated by Venezuelan National Guard - Guardia Nacional Bolivariana de Venezuela was involved in an aviation accident near La Carlota-General Francisco de Miranda AFB (Caracas), Venezuela during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft suffered a loss of altitude during the initial climb phase, leading to a collision with a ground structure. 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.
An aircraft crashed into a textile factory shortly after departing from La Carlota-General Francisco de Miranda AFB, resulting in four fatalities.
What happened
Following its departure from the La Carlota-General Francisco de Miranda AFB, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude. During this descent, the plane struck a textile mill located near the airfield. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames upon hitting the structure.
As a result of the collision and subsequent fire, four fatalities were recorded. This total includes all three crew members on board the aircraft as well as one person who was situated on the ground at the time of the accident.
Findings
The aircraft lost altitude shortly after takeoff.
The crash resulted in a post-impact fire involving a textile mill.
Probable cause
The aircraft suffered a loss of altitude during the initial climb phase, leading to a collision with a ground structure.