West Caribbean Airways Flight 708 Crash

Date

August 16, 2005

Overview

On August 16, 2005, West Caribbean Airways Flight 708 tragically crashed in the remote mountains of western Venezuela, resulting in the deaths of all 160 people on board. The flight was a charter service operated by the Colombian airline West Caribbean Airways, traveling from Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, Panama, to Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport in Fort-de-France, Martinique.

Aircraft

• Type: McDonnell Douglas MD-82
• Registration: HK-4374X
• Operator: West Caribbean Airways

Passengers and Crew

• Total on board: 160
  • Passengers: 152
  • Crew: 8
• The majority of the passengers were French citizens from Martinique returning from a holiday in Panama.

Sequence of Events

1. Takeoff and Initial Flight: The flight departed from Panama City at approximately 1:00 AM local time.
2. Flight Path: The aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 33,000 feet when it encountered severe weather conditions.
3. Distress Call: At around 3:00 AM, the crew reported engine trouble and requested permission to descend to a lower altitude.
4. Rapid Descent: The aircraft began a rapid descent, losing altitude quickly.
5. Crash: The plane crashed in the Sierra de Perijá mountains near Machiques, Venezuela, at approximately 3:45 AM.

Investigation and Findings

• Cause of Crash: The investigation, led by Venezuelan authorities with assistance from French and Colombian experts, concluded that the crash was primarily due to pilot error. The crew failed to manage the aircraft’s speed and altitude during the descent, leading to a stall.
• Contributing Factors:
  • Inadequate response to engine issues.
  • Lack of proper training and experience in handling the aircraft under such conditions.
  • Poor weather conditions that contributed to the crew’s difficulties.

Aftermath and Impact

• Safety Recommendations: The crash prompted a review of safety protocols and training procedures for West Caribbean Airways and similar operators.
• Airline’s Fate: West Caribbean Airways faced increased scrutiny and financial difficulties following the crash, eventually ceasing operations in 2006.
• Memorials and Tributes: The tragedy deeply affected the community in Martinique, leading to memorial services and tributes for the victims.

Broader Significance

The crash of Flight 708 highlighted critical issues in aviation safety, particularly concerning pilot training and the management of emergency situations. It underscored the importance of rigorous safety standards and oversight in the airline industry to prevent similar tragedies in the future.