Servicio Autónomo de Transporte Aéreo - SATA

While approaching the Island of Margarita, en route from Maiquetía-Simon Bolivar Airport to Porlamar, the crew encountered control difficulties and informed ATC about hydraulic problems. The crew initiated a rapid descent to 3,000 feet apparently to ditch the aircraft when it went out of control and crashed in the sea about 16 km west off Punta Arenas. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and only few debris were found floating on water. All nine occupants were killed, among them officers flying on behalf of the Vice-Presidency of the Venezuelan Government.

For unknown reason, the twin engine aircraft landed hard. Impact caused the tail to separate. The aircraft lost its undercarriage then slid for few dozen metres before coming to rest, bursting into flames. All five occupants evacuated safely and the aircraft was destroyed. It seems the aircraft suffered an engine failure shortly before landing.

While in cruising altitude on a flight from La Carlota to Barinas, the crew declared an emergency following a loss of power on both engines. The crew attempted an emergency landing in a prairie when the aircraft crash landed and came to rest, broken in two. All eight occupants were rescued, among them a pilot was injured.