Oranjestad

The twin engine aircraft was completing a charter flight from Oranjestad to Punto Fijo with seven passengers and one pilot on board. While descending to Punto Fijo-Josefa Camejo Airport, the pilot informed ATC about the failure of the left engine. Shortly later, the left engine caught fire and detached, causing a part of the left wing to be torn off. Out of control, the aircraft crashed in the sea about 29,5 km north of Punto Fijo Airport. All eight occupants were killed.

The Beech 65-88 airplane was reported missing on February 7, 1988. It was on an IFR flight from Aruba to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The airplane departed from Aruba approximately 1223Z. According to air traffic authorities in Santo Domingo, the airplanes last reported position was over the DUSAN intersection at 1340Z. The airplane has not been located, and remains missing. No additional information is available.

The aircraft crashed into a ditch off the departure end of the runway and burst into flames during takeoff. Witnesses said the aircraft did not sound like it was developing normal rpm for takeoff. One mechanic said the engines sounded like they were still in ground idle position. The surviving passenger said they didn't get enough speed to takeoff but he did not suspect any engine problems. Another ground witness said it sounded like the propellers were in very high or cruise pitch. After the accident both propellers were at or near the feather position. Toxicology studies on the pilot showed his blood alcohol level was 2,2‰. He also had cirrhosis of the liver. A passenger was seriously injured while the pilot and a second passenger were killed.

During the takeoff roll at New Smyrna Beach Airport, en route to Oranjestad, the pilot-in-command lost control of the airplane that veered off runway, collided with trees and burst into flames. All three occupants escaped with minor injuries while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Few minutes after takeoff from Oranjestad-Queen Beatrix Airport, while climbing, the airplane crashed in unknown circumstances into the sea. SAR operations were initiated but eventually suspended after few days as no trace of the aircraft nor both crew members was found.

While on a cargo flight from Panama City to Oranjestad, Aruba, the crew reported a smell of burning in the cabin and elected to divert to Pivijay Airport for an emergency landing. After touchdown on a 850 meters long runway, the airplane was unable to stop within the remaining distance and overran. It struck a perimeter fence and came to rest in a field. While both pilots were unhurt, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.