Early Monday morning, a devastating plane crash near Colombia's border with Venezuela claimed the lives of all 15 individuals aboard. Colombian aviation authorities confirmed the tragic outcome following an extensive search operation in a remote, mountainous region. The aircraft, a small regional turboprop, was en route from Saravena to Cúcuta when it abruptly lost contact with air traffic control.
Background to the Tragedy
The ill-fated flight, operated by AeroNorte Express, departed Saravena’s Santiago Pérez Quiroz Airport (RAV) at approximately 6:15 AM local time on Monday, October 26th. Its destination was Camilo Daza International Airport (CUC) in Cúcuta, a bustling city in the Norte de Santander department, just kilometers from the Venezuelan border. The journey, typically lasting around 45 minutes, was a routine commuter service connecting the remote Arauca department with a major urban hub.
The Aircraft and Its Route
The aircraft was a Beechcraft 1900D, a twin-engine turboprop popular for regional passenger and cargo services. This 19-seater model is a common workhorse for regional airlines operating in challenging terrains, including the Colombian-Venezuelan border region. AeroNorte Express, a small but established regional carrier, primarily serves routes across northern Colombia.
The flight path traversed a region characterized by dense jungle, steep mountains, and unpredictable weather. This area, part of the Catatumbo basin, is notorious for its complex geography and microclimates, where visibility can rapidly
