Synopsis
On 3 November 2022, a Beechcraft F33A, registration YV2052, operated under general aviation rules, departed from Subteniente Néstor Arias International Airport (SVSP) in San Felipe, Yaracuy, bound for Oscar Machado Zuloaga International Airport (SVCS) in Charallave, Miranda. The sole occupant, the pilot, filed a VFR flight plan. The aircraft crashed in the Topo Ayala sector of El Ávila National Park, near Caucaguita, Miranda, resulting in fatal injuries to the pilot and destruction of the aircraft.
Flight History
The flight departed at 14:52 UTC and proceeded normally until entering the approach control area of Caracas (APP). At 15:52 UTC, the pilot made initial contact with APP Tuy, reporting at 9,000 feet to cross a cloud layer. The controller cleared the aircraft for an approach to runway 10, provided weather conditions and QNH 1018, and instructed the pilot to complete the approach visually. At 15:53 UTC, the pilot reported a slight deviation southward after identifying a break in the clouds. At approximately 15:56 UTC, another aircraft (YV548T) confirmed a TCAS contact with YV2052 at 1,500 feet vertical separation. YV2052 requested YV548T to climb to ensure separation. At 15:57 UTC, YV2052 reported being in an area of heavy rain but maintaining visual navigation through cloud openings; the pilot asked YV548T if still visible on TCAS, receiving a negative response. At 16:00 UTC, APP Tuy advised of a developing cumulonimbus west of the station. The pilot again queried YV548T about TCAS contact, again negative. The last radio contact was at 16:01 UTC, when the pilot reported being 9 miles from the station. Subsequent attempts by Tuy control and another aircraft (FA61540) to contact YV2052 were unsuccessful. An INCERFA was declared at 16:07 UTC, followed by a DETRESFA at 16:12 UTC.
Aircraft and Occupant
The aircraft was a Beechcraft F33A, serial number CE1501, registered YV2052. It was a single-engine general aviation aircraft. The pilot was the only person on board.
Accident Sequence and Wreckage
The aircraft impacted terrain in the mountainous Topo Ayala sector, within El Ávila National Park, at coordinates 10°31'8.4"N, 66°45'25.67"W. The aircraft was destroyed. The investigation noted that the wreckage was found in a remote area.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The investigation was conducted by the Junta Investigadora de Accidentes de Aviación (JIAAC) of Venezuela. The probable cause was determined to be controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), resulting from spatial disorientation experienced by the pilot after encountering adverse weather conditions. Low cloud ceilings and reduced visibility in the mountainous area forced a deviation from the planned route, leading to loss of external visual references (horizon and terrain) essential for maintaining situational awareness.