Background
A twin-engine aircraft was operating a charter flight from Maracaibo Airport in Venezuela to Panama City, Panama. The flight carried three passengers and one pilot.
Incident Description
While cruising over the Sierra de Perija mountain range, which straddles the border between Venezuela and Colombia, the pilot contacted air traffic control to report technical problems. Shortly after this communication, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent. It subsequently crashed in mountainous terrain near Valledupar, Colombia. Upon impact, the aircraft burst into flames.
Investigation and Findings
All four occupants—the pilot and three passengers—were killed in the accident. The official investigation into the loss of control could not determine the exact cause. The report states that the precise reason for the uncontrolled descent remains unknown.