ERA17WA230

On July 4, 2017, about 1745 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Gulfstream 1159A, Venezuela registration YV2895, descended into the Caribbean Sea northwest of Nueva Esparta, Venezuela, and was presumed to be destroyed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the foreign, non-commercial personal flight from Margarita Del Caribe International Airport (SVMG), Nueva Esparta, Venezuela, to Maiquetia Simon Bolivar International Airport (SVMI), Vargas, Venezuela. Two occupants were recovered and were fatally injured while the remaining 7 occupants were not recovered and were presumed to be fatally injured. The flight originated from SVMG about 1725 UTC.According to preliminary information, after takeoff the airplane proceeded in a west-northwesterly heading and climbed to 20,000 ft. During cruise flight, a flight crewmember advised the controller of a malfunction of the hydraulic system, and descended to 16,000 ft. A flight crewmember then advised the controller of a discrepancy with the flight controls. While flying at 3,000 ft, radio contact was lost. A search for the aircraft and occupants was initiated, but the main wreckage has not been recovered. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the government of Venezuela. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: General Directorate for Research and Prevention of Air Accidents Av. Francisco de Miranda Torre MTT, Piso 20 Chacao, Caracas 1060 Venezuela Tel.: (58) 212-274-5590 / 5464, (58) 426-518-6717 / 414-219-2717 AFTN: SVCCLALX Telex: 24626 MTCAC VC Cable: DIGETRAERO-CARACAS Website: www.mpptaa.gob.ve This report is for informational purposes only, and contains only information released by or obtained for the Government of Venezuela.