On January 6, 2026, a CESSNA AIRCRAFT S550 (registration YV2988) operated by INVERSIONES ELICAR 2001, C.A. was involved in an aviation accident near AERÓDROMO, VE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the permeability of the movement area perimeter due to the absence of continuous, robust perimeter fencing, which failed to segregate aeronautical operational zones from external ground traffic. This summary draws on records from the Venezuelan Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Board (JIAAC Venezuela).
On 6 January 2026, a Cessna C550 (YV2988) struck a motorcycle during landing at San Juan de los Morros Aerodrome. The crew and passengers were uninjured, the aircraft sustained minor damage, and the motorcyclist died.
Incident Overview and Flight Details On 6 January 2026, a Cessna C550 with registration YV2988 departed from General de Brigada Oswaldo Guevara Mujica Airport in Acarigua (SVAC) at 18:45 UTC, bound for San Juan de los Morros Aerodrome in Guárico State. The aircraft carried six people: a pilot, a co-pilot, and four passengers. The flight proceeded normally at visual flight level 195 until the approach phase. ## Approach and Collision Near the destination, the captain requested descent authorization from the approach control at Base Aérea El Libertador (SVBL). Upon reaching the aerodrome, the captain performed a low pass at 2,000 feet south of the runway to check for people or foreign object debris (FOD), as the runway had been closed the previous day by the Bolivarian National Guard. Finding no issues, the aircraft entered the traffic circuit and began landing on runway 06, reporting its position on frequency 123.4. During the final approach, with the aircraft configured for landing, the crew initiated braking after touchdown. At that moment, a motorcyclist unexpectedly entered the southern part of the runway in the same direction as the landing. The captain attempted an evasive maneuver by shifting the aircraft to the left edge of the runway, but the maneuver was unsuccessful. The motorcycle struck the right side of the aircraft during the braking phase. ## Aftermath and Damage After regaining control, the crew continued taxiing to exit the runway and secure the aircraft in a safe location. The crew and passengers were uninjured, the aircraft sustained minor damage, and the motorcyclist died. ## Aircraft and Maintenance Information The Cessna C550 is equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada turbofan engines, each producing approximately 11.12 kN (2,500 lbf) of thrust. The aircraft is categorized as General Aviation - Corporate Use, with a maximum takeoff weight of 6,849 kg. At the time of the incident, the aircraft was airworthy under a valid certificate issued by the Venezuelan aeronautical authority (INAC). Maintenance was performed by OMAC N° 643 SERVICIOS FLYTELINE, C.A., located in Maracay, Aragua State. ## Crew Qualifications The pilot-in-command, aged 47, held a valid commercial pilot license and medical certificate from INAC, with instrument flight and C550 captain ratings valid until 24 November 2026. The co-pilot, aged 46, held a valid commercial pilot license and medical certificate from INAC, with instrument flight, single-engine land, multi-engine land, AC90 co-pilot, and C550 co-pilot ratings valid until 14 July 2026. ## Contributing Factors The investigation identified three contributing factors: 1. Perimeter Vulnerability: The aerodrome's perimeter fencing was incomplete, allowing unauthorized vehicles to access the airfield. 2. Signage Deficiencies: Warning signs and markings delineating movement areas and critical zones were absent or deteriorated. 3. Motorcyclist's Situational Awareness: The motorcyclist was unaware of aviation safety procedures and the imminent risk of an aircraft on final approach. ## Preventive Measures The Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Board (JIAAC) recommended immediate actions: - Repair the perimeter fencing and assess unauthorized access points. - Implement pre-operation runway inspections or assign ground security personnel during active hours. - Conduct awareness campaigns with the local community about the dangers of entering operational zones. - Reinforce crew procedures for performing low passes at uncontrolled aerodromes when runway integrity is in question. ## Probable Cause The accident, classified as a high-severity runway incursion during the critical landing phase, was attributed to the alignment of latent conditions in the aerodrome's infrastructure. The primary causal factor was the permeability of the movement area perimeter. The absence of continuous, robust perimeter fencing failed to segregate aeronautical operational zones from external ground traffic. Combined with the uncontrolled nature of the aerodrome, this eliminated protective layers that would have prevented unauthorized vehicle entry. Without air traffic control to alert or restrict passage, landing safety depended solely on the physical barrier—which was absent—and the crew's pre-landing measures. ## Investigation Status The investigation is currently in the process of analyzing technical, operational, and documentary information, with the final report pending. ## Notifications In accordance with Annex 13, Chapter 4 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the incident was reported to the ICAO ADREP system and the United States of America, as the State of Design and Manufacture. The United States responded by assigning an accredited representative.