Contact photographer Ivan P. Nesbit
Update
Aircraft mechanic Edwin David Hernandez came home today for the last time. He was one of the casualties of Ecuador, leaving behind his wife, Dilma, and two children. Hernandez was one of three crash victims retrieved by members of the Civil defense and the Red Cross of Ecuador. One of the plane’s black boxes was also found.
The two Venezuelan victims were identified as Pedro Menderi (pilot) and Gerald Rangel (copilot).
Licensing is still under investigation. There appear to be irregularities regarding the plane’s registration, as well as 39 licenses for technicians, pilots and Venezuelan and Peruvian air hostesses. The maintenance plan must be supervised by the supervising body of the country of origin of the airplane’s owner.
Masry & Vititoe has been retained on behalf of family members.
What: Conviasa Boeing 737-291 advanced (reg. YV-102T) en route from (Simón BolÃvar International Airport,) Maiquetia, Venezuela to Latacunga, Ecuador
Where: Illiniza Volcano elevation approx. 17000 feet) Toacaso, Ecuador
When: August 30, 2008
Who: 3 crew members, no survivors
Why: The plane was being delivered to a new owner after being in storage. The flight crew lost lost radio and radar contact with Ecuadorian air control at 02:56Z on beginning descent to Latacunga. The wreckage location (near the LOTOA waypoint (LOTOA at 0° 46′ 23S 78° 52′ 20W) at an altitude of approximately 4000 meters )suggests the airplane flew into the side of the Iliniza Volcano and was completely destroyed on impact. The wreckage was spread 400 meters.
Hondorus states attorney opened an investigation against “Atlantic Airlines de Honduras.” It has yet to be established, whether the airplane was operating under a Honduran license and if all requirements for legal use were met.
Atlantic Airlines had operated the airplane until March 31st 2007.
As of Sept 3rd, both flight recorders (flight data and cockpit voice recorder) have been recovered and will be sent to the USA for analysis
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