A tragic aviation accident occurred at Paramillo Airport in San Cristóbal, Táchira, Venezuela, claiming the lives of both crew members aboard a Piper PA-31T1 Cheyenne I aircraft, registration YV1443. The twin-engine plane, attempting to depart runway 20 at approximately 9:52 a.m. local time, failed to gain sufficient altitude, stalled moments after takeoff, and crashed onto the runway, erupting into flames.

The National Institute of Civil Aeronautics (INAC) confirmed the immediate response of emergency and firefighting teams, who worked to secure the site. The Junta Investigadora de Accidentes de Aviación Civil (JIAAC) was activated to investigate the incident, adhering to Venezuelan aviation regulations. Preliminary reports suggest a possible tire burst or engine failure as contributing factors, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

Social media footage captured the severity of the crash, showing thick black smoke rising from the runway, highlighting the rapid destruction of the aircraft. The loss of the two crew members, tentatively identified as Toni Bortone and Juan Maldonado, has left the local community and aviation sector in mourning.

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Flightradar24 data indicates the aircraft had recently operated domestic flights within Venezuela and international routes to Panama and Cuba. As investigations continue, this tragedy underscores the critical need for rigorous safety measures in aviation to prevent future catastrophes.

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