Accident
While descending to Porlamar-Del Caribe-General en Jefe Santiago Mariño Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions including low visibility and heavy rain. In coordination with air traffic control, the crew decided to divert to Cumaná Airport. As the aircraft completed a turn to change heading, it struck the peak La Gloria, located approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Porlamar Airport. The wreckage was found eight meters below the summit.
Victims
The copilot, Ivan Rodolfo Magallanes, was seriously injured in the accident. He was evacuated to a hospital in Caracas but died from his injuries 17 days later. The other 47 occupants onboard were killed.
Investigation
The official investigation suggested a probable cause. Investigators believed that the crew may have lost orientation during the seconds preceding impact, possibly due to a malfunction of several instruments whose parameters were likely influenced by static electricity accumulated in the stormy weather. At the time of the accident, Hurricane Alma was approximately 100 kilometers east of Margarita Island.