A twin-engine plane, registered as YV-2199, crashed near the Tomás de Heres Airport in Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela, on September 6, with seven people on board.
Among the passengers were Venezuelan businessmen Domingo Arnaldo and Guillermo Alfredo Amaro Chacón, who are implicated in the Plus Ultra case overseen by Spain's National Court for their alleged connections to former President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.
According to a report by OKDiario, the aircraft, owned by Inversiones Coinpro, was stopping to refuel when a turbine malfunctioned and the brake collector failed during landing. This caused the plane to crash onto the runway, slide into a wooded area, and catch fire on its underside.
All seven aboard—five passengers and two crew members—sustained injuries, but no fatalities have been confirmed.
The Amaro Chacón brothers were transported to Caracas and are recuperating at the Hierbabuena estate, suffering from minor burns and bruises, as reported by Venezuelan newspaper El Pitazo.
Renewed Scrutiny on Spanish Judicial Investigation
The incident has reignited attention on the ongoing judicial investigation in Spain, where the Amaro Chacón brothers are named as administrators of Inteligencia Prospectiva. The Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit (UDEF) labels this entity as "lacking in real activity," suggesting it was used to funnel Venezuelan funds into Spain.
Police reports from the UDEF indicate that over 1.1 million euros were transferred from this firm to enterprises linked to Zapatero, including 561,440 euros to What The Fav—managed by the former president's daughters—and 368,258 euros to Análisis Relevante.
The controversy stems from a public bailout of 53 million euros granted by the Spanish government to the airline Plus Ultra in March 2021 through the State Industrial Participation Company (SEPI), a move that was immediately suspect due to alleged ties to Venezuelan chavismo and the Cuban regime.
Involvement of Zapatero and Ties to Chavismo
Zapatero was officially charged on May 19, 2026, by the National Court with criminal organization, influence peddling, and document falsification, marking a historic moment as the first former Spanish president accused of corruption.
Testifying before Judge José Luis Calama on June 17, Zapatero referred to the Amaro Chacón brothers as "two brilliant young entrepreneurs" from "a significant business family" in Venezuela, admitting, "I've traveled with them and attended meetings together."
The brothers accompanied Zapatero on a trip to Bolivia in September 2024, during which the UDEF contends the former president received 200,000 euros for lobbying the Bolivian government on behalf of Grupo Gloria, allegedly through a "simulated" contract.
The investigation has also shed light on Zapatero's connections with chavismo: he has publicly acknowledged his friendship with Delcy and Jorge Rodríguez and met with the interim Venezuelan president in Caracas in February 2026, amid the judicial proceedings.
Expanding Investigation and Silence Surrounding the Crash
In July 2026, the investigation expanded to explore potential investments linked to Cuba with Russian ties, broadening the scope of a scheme that points to connections between the Spanish left and various regional dictatorships.
Other passengers on the ill-fated flight—Michael Bradley and Raúl Fragosa—and the two pilots were reportedly given "explicit orders not to discuss the incident," according to sources cited by OKDiario, which may explain the silence surrounding the crash's details.
Venezuelan authorities have launched an investigation to uncover the exact causes of the accident, with no arrests reported among those involved as of yet.
In September 2025, another aviation incident linked to the chavista circle drew attention due to its Cuban connections. A Learjet 55, registered as YV3440, crashed during takeoff at Maiquetía Airport. Flight records consulted by CiberCuba at the time showed frequent trips between Venezuela and Havana.
Understanding the Venezuelan Plane Crash and its Implications
Who were the key figures involved in the Venezuelan plane crash?
The crash involved Venezuelan businessmen Domingo Arnaldo and Guillermo Alfredo Amaro Chacón, who are under investigation in Spain's Plus Ultra case due to alleged connections with former President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.
What is the Plus Ultra case about?
The Plus Ultra case involves an investigation into the Spanish airline Plus Ultra, which received a controversial government bailout. The case explores alleged financial ties between the airline, Venezuelan chavismo, and figures like José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.
What were the circumstances of the plane crash in Venezuela?
The plane suffered a turbine failure and brake malfunction during landing, leading to a crash on the runway, a slide into a wooded area, and a fire. All seven on board were injured, but no fatalities were reported.
How has the investigation into the crash been handled?
Venezuelan authorities have opened an investigation to determine the accident's exact causes. Despite significant interest, there have been no arrests, and details remain sparse due to reported gag orders on those involved.