Two individuals lost their lives in a tragic incident when a plane experienced a malfunction during takeoff, causing it to flip and land on its wing before erupting into flames in front of horrified witnesses. Spectators at the scene were heard screaming as they witnessed the light aircraft lose control, nearly flipping upside down and crashing onto the runway. The distressing event unfolded just before 10 a.m. local time at Paramillo Aerodrome, an airport serving San Cristobal in Venezuela’s mountainous western region.
The deceased were identified as pilot Jose Antonio Bortone Terife, aged 50, and co-pilot Juan Maldonado, aged 47. Following the accident, investigators commenced a probe into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, initially focusing on a potential tire explosion as the cause. However, they are also examining the possibility of pilot error contributing to the incident.
The Piper Cheyenne 1 aircraft, reportedly affiliated with the Venezuelan government, was completely consumed by the fire that ensued. The National Institute of Civil Aviation of Venezuela, the nation’s civil aviation authority, issued a statement reporting that the crash involving the PAY1 aircraft, with registration YV1443, occurred during takeoff at 9:52 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23, at Paramillo Airport in Tachira state.
EC Charter, where Mr. Bortone worked as a pilot, highlighted his extensive 30-year flying experience amounting to 10,300 flight hours. He hailed from a family deeply passionate about aviation, with a strong lineage of aviators inspiring his career. The company paid tribute to Bortone’s professionalism and dedication on their Instagram account, recalling him as an exceptional pilot.
Expressing condolences, Gloria Santana remembered the second victim, Juan, as a great professional and teacher who was dedicated to his work. She mourned his loss and praised his passion for his profession. The aviation community and loved ones of the victims are deeply saddened by the tragic event, with heartfelt condolences extended to the families of both individuals.
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