A small aircraft crashed and exploded during takeoff in western Venezuela, killing both the pilot and co-pilot. The incident occurred at the San Cristóbal airport, in Táchira state, and was captured on video by bystanders.
Tragic Moment Caught on Camera
The crash took place on Wednesday, October 22. Footage shared on social media shows the aircraft tilting sharply to one side just after lifting off the runway. Within seconds, the left wing collapses, causing the plane to flip over, strike the ground, and burst into flames.
Local authorities confirmed that there were no passengers on board and that both crew members died instantly. The victims’ identities have not yet been released.
According to Venezuelan media, the aircraft was a Piper PA-31T1 Cheyenne, a twin-engine model often used for private or corporate flights. The Venezuelan Civil Aviation Institute (INAC) and the manufacturer have opened investigations to determine the cause of the accident.
Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft may have experienced a mechanical failure during the initial climb, though officials have not confirmed the hypothesis. Emergency crews rushed to the scene to contain the fire and secure the area, as debris and fuel spread across the runway.
The incident has renewed concerns about aviation safety in regional airports, where aging fleets and limited maintenance resources remain chronic challenges.