On August 21, 2004, a Short 360 (registration FAV-1652) operated by Venezuelan Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Venezolana was involved in an aviation accident near El Libertador AFB (Maracay), Venezuela in flight. 30 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the aircraft was approaching Maracay at a correct altitude but not on the correct route. At the time of the accident, the aircraft deviated from the approach pattern following a navigational error on part of the crew. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft descending to 9,500 feet in poor weather struck the slope of Mount El Perico, located about 25 km from Maracay-El Libertador Air Force Base. The aircraft was destroyed and all 30 occupants, including civilians, were killed.
Accident Details
While descending to an altitude of 9,500 feet in poor weather conditions, the aircraft struck the slope of Mount El Perico. The mountain is situated approximately 25 kilometers from the Maracay-El Libertador Air Force Base. The impact totally destroyed the aircraft. All 30 occupants, among them a few civilians, were killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the aircraft was approaching Maracay at a correct altitude but not on the correct route. At the time of the accident, the aircraft deviated from the approach pattern following a navigational error on the part of the crew. Lack of visibility due to clouds was identified as a contributing factor.
Probable cause
It was determined that the aircraft was approaching Maracay at a correct altitude but not on the correct route. At the time of the accident, the aircraft deviated from the approach pattern following a navigational error on part of the crew. Lack of visibility due to clouds was a contributing factor.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 21 Aug 2004 Short 360 accident near El Libertador AFB (Maracay), Venezuela?
An aircraft descending to 9,500 feet in poor weather struck the slope of Mount El Perico, located about 25 km from Maracay-El Libertador Air Force Base. The aircraft was destroyed and all 30 occupants, including civilians, were killed.
Were there any fatalities in the 21 Aug 2004 Short 360 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 30 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Aug 2004 involved a Short 360, registration FAV-1652, operated by Venezuelan Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Venezolana, at El Libertador AFB (Maracay), Venezuela.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
It was determined that the aircraft was approaching Maracay at a correct altitude but not on the correct route. At the time of the accident, the aircraft deviated from the approach pattern following a navigational error on part of the crew. Lack of visibility due to clouds was a contributing factor.