Quantcast

Cessna Citation II crashes near Caracas; three fatalities reported

Cessna Citation II crashes near Caracas; three fatalities reported
Policy
Webp received 628385789585592
Cessna S550 Citation S/II | Wikipedia

A Cessna S550 Citation S/II private jet crashed in the El Volcán sector of the El Hatillo municipality, south of Caracas, Venezuela, on January 29, 2025. The crash reportedly resulted in the deaths of all three people onboard.

Local media reported that the government-owned Cessna S550 Citation S/II business jet, registered as YV3561, crashed shortly after taking off from Caracas' La Carlota General Francisco de Miranda Air Base. According to FlightAware.com data, the aircraft departed from runway 11 at SVFM and began climbing in a right-hand turn before descending into a wooded area approximately seven kilometers south of the airbase.

The aircraft was owned by Venezuela's Ministry of Interior, Justice, and Peace. Tragically, all three crew members onboard lost their lives. Videos captured by local residents circulated on social media showing a fire ignited by the crash.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The cause of the accident remains unknown. OneSpotter reported that the aircraft was a 39-year-old Cessna Citation II powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4 engines. It joined the Venezuelan Ministry of Interior’s fleet in 2016 after being operated by several US operators.

In related incidents involving private jets over recent months:

In late December 2024, a Piper PA-42 Cheyenne piloted by Luiz Claudio Galeazzi crashed shortly after takeoff from Canela Airport in Brazil. The crash resulted in ten fatalities and injuries to seventeen people on the ground. Governor Eduardo Leite stated: "I deeply regret the accident and highlight the immediate action of the security forces in attending to and rescuing victims... Now we need to officially identify victims and investigate conditions."

On January 31, 2025, another incident occurred when a Learjet 55 operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crashed near a shopping center in northeast Philadelphia shortly after take-off. This accident claimed six lives onboard and one person on the ground while injuring nineteen others due to an explosion and ensuing fires.

Early investigations suggest that catastrophic engine failure or bird strike may have contributed to this Philadelphia accident.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

As the Paris Air Show commenced, ATR and RTX, the parent company of Pratt & Whitney Canada, announced a collaboration to develop next-generation turboprop engines.

Jun 19, 2025

As global travel continues to evolve, some commercial flights are reaching durations that last nearly an entire day.

Jun 19, 2025

Growth in the aviation industry is increasing post-pandemic, placing pressure on airlines to reduce carbon emissions and transition to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Jun 19, 2025

The Airbus A340, a four-engine widebody aircraft, was introduced in March 1993 by Air France and Lufthansa.

Jun 19, 2025

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the largest hub for American Airlines, is undergoing significant expansion to accommodate its growing passenger numbers.

Jun 19, 2025

Virgin Australia has resumed operations in the Middle East with a new route to Doha, Qatar.

Jun 19, 2025