A private plane Learjet 55 (registration YV3440) crashed this Wednesday during takeoff on the runway of Maiquetía International Airport “Simón Bolívar,” generating a plume of smoke visible from several points along the central coastline.
Aeronautical authorities reported that two people were rescued alive and are in stable condition following the accident aboard the Venezuelan regime's jet used by Chavistas on frequent trips to Cuba.
The search and rescue protocols were activated and an Accident Investigation Board has been formed to determine the causes of the incident, according to INAC.
The National Institute of Civil Aviation stated that the event occurred at 12:52 p.m., at the time of takeoff.
The official communication emphasized the immediate activation of the response mechanisms and the initiation of the technical forensic process required by aviation regulations.
Witnesses and neighbors in the area spread videos of the impact and the thick smoke that rose from the main runway of the airport, the most important in the country. Those images circulated on social media shortly after the accident.
As of the publication of this note, the authority has not disclosed the total number of occupants, the operator of the aircraft, the planned itinerary, or the probable cause of the incident.
Maiquetía concentrates the majority of international and domestic flight operations in Venezuela, so incidents on the runway can temporarily impact the flight schedule and may require partial closures while emergency teams and investigators respond.
According to the flight records, the aircraft was making frequent trips to Cuba. The most recent one was recorded last Saturday.
Every week, at least two flights have departed from Maiquetía heading to Havana.
In addition to flights to the island, the aircraft made trips to Panama and Cancun (Mexico), part of the frequent destinations of the Chavista regime.
Venezuela gifted Cuba at least three Dassault Falcon private jets during Hugo Chávez's government.
In 2019, Díaz-Canel used the Dassault Falcon 900, with the Venezuelan registration YV-2053 and an estimated price of 41 million dollars, for his first visit to Mexico, which lasted only 24 hours.
Both this one and the other two Dassault Falcon 50s, with registrations YV-1128 and YV-1129, registered under the Venezuelan company SATA (Servicio Autónomo de Transporte Aéreo), would have retained their registrations to be repaired anywhere in the world without fear of U.S. sanctions. Cuba only removed the Venezuelan flag from them.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Venezuelan Jet Accident in Maiquetía
What happened with the jet at Maiquetía International Airport?
The private jet Learjet 55 with registration YV3440 crashed during takeoff at Maiquetía airport, generating a column of smoke visible from several points along the central coastline. Two people were rescued alive and are stable following the accident. Authorities have activated search, rescue, and investigative protocols to determine the causes of the incident.
What was the frequent use of the jet that crashed?
The jet was frequently used by the Chavista regime for trips to Cuba. According to flight records, the aircraft made regular trips to Cuba, with the most recent one recorded last Saturday. Additionally, the plane was also used to fly to destinations such as Panama and Cancun.
How does this accident affect air traffic in Maiquetía?
Maiquetía is the most important airport in Venezuela, handling the majority of international and domestic air operations. Incidents on the runway can temporarily impact flight schedules and require partial closures while emergency teams respond. This can affect a large number of travelers and air operations.
What is known about the causes of the accident?
Until now, the probable cause of the incident has not been detailed. Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the causes of the accident, but official information has not yet been released. Forensic technical investigation protocols have been activated to clarify what happened.
Filed under: