A private Learjet 55, registered as YV3440, crashed during takeoff on Wednesday at the Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía. The accident caused a plume of smoke visible from various points along the central coast. Aviation authorities reported that two individuals were rescued alive and are in stable condition after the crash involving the jet regularly used by the Venezuelan regime for frequent trips to Cuba.
The National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC) has launched search and rescue protocols, along with an Accident Investigation Board to uncover the causes of the incident. The crash occurred at 12:52 p.m. during takeoff, according to INAC. Official statements emphasized the swift activation of response mechanisms and the initiation of a technical forensic process required by aviation regulations.
Witnesses in the area shared videos of the crash and the thick smoke rising from the airport's main runway, Venezuela’s busiest. These images quickly circulated on social media shortly after the event. As of this report, authorities have not disclosed the total number of occupants, the aircraft operator, the intended itinerary, or the likely cause of the crash.
Maiquetía is the hub for the majority of Venezuela's international and domestic flights, meaning runway incidents can temporarily disrupt flight schedules and necessitate partial closures while emergency teams and investigators are at work.
Flight logs show that the aircraft frequently traveled to Cuba, with the last recorded flight happening just last Saturday. At least two flights depart from Maiquetía to Havana weekly. In addition to these trips, the jet also flew to Panama and Cancún, Mexico, which are frequent destinations for the Chavista regime.
Under the government of Hugo Chávez, Venezuela gifted at least three private Dassault Falcon jets to Cuba. In 2019, Cuban President Díaz-Canel used a Dassault Falcon 900, registered as YV-2053 with an estimated value of $41 million, for his first visit to Mexico, which lasted only 24 hours. This aircraft, along with two other Dassault Falcon 50 jets, retained their Venezuelan registrations, under the name of the Venezuelan company SATA (Servicio Autónomo de Transporte Aéreo), to facilitate maintenance worldwide without fear of U.S. sanctions. Cuba only removed the Venezuelan flag from these jets.
FAQs about the Venezuelan Jet Crash
What caused the Venezuelan Learjet 55 crash?
The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation by the National Institute of Civil Aviation's Accident Investigation Board.
Were there any survivors in the crash?
Yes, two individuals were rescued alive and are currently stable following the incident.
How often did the jet fly to Cuba?
The jet frequently flew to Cuba, with at least two flights departing weekly from Maiquetía to Havana.