6 fatalities

Crash of a Private Twin-Engine Aircraft in Catia La Mar (N6463L)

Caracas-Maiquetía-Simón Bolívar, VenezuelaTakeoff (climb)

On April 28, 2008, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration N6463L) operated by Aircraft Guaranty Holdings & Trust was involved in an aviation accident near Caracas-Maiquetía-Simón Bolívar, Venezuela during takeoff. 6 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft on a private flight from Caracas to Curaçao crashed into buildings in Catia La Mar after reporting engine problems during initial climb, killing all three occupants and three people on the ground, injuring five.

Incident

A twin-engine aircraft, operating a private flight, departed Caracas-Maiquetía-Simón Bolívar Airport in Venezuela. The flight was bound for Willemstad-Hato Airport in Curaçao, with two passengers and one pilot aboard.

Shortly after takeoff, during the initial climb, the pilot reported engine problems to air traffic control. Controllers promptly cleared the aircraft for an immediate return to the departure airport. However, while attempting to return, the pilot lost control of the airplane.

Crash

The aircraft crashed into several buildings located in the district of Catia La Mar. The crash site was approximately 6 kilometers short of the threshold of runway 09 at Caracas-Maiquetía-Simón Bolívar Airport. Upon impact, the aircraft burst into flames and was totally destroyed by the fire and collision.

Casualties

All three individuals on board—the pilot and two passengers—were killed in the crash. Additionally, three people on the ground lost their lives, and five other persons on the ground sustained injuries.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Apr 2008 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Caracas-Maiquetía-Simón Bolívar, Venezuela?

A twin-engine aircraft on a private flight from Caracas to Curaçao crashed into buildings in Catia La Mar after reporting engine problems during initial climb, killing all three occupants and three people on the ground, injuring five.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Apr 2008 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Apr 2008 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration N6463L, operated by Aircraft Guaranty Holdings & Trust, at Caracas-Maiquetía-Simón Bolívar, Venezuela.