The Conviasa ATR which crashed in Venezuela earlier today has been identified as a 16-year-old ATR 42-300.
According to Venezuela's transportation ministry, the ATR 42 registered YV-1010 crashed in Puerto Ordaz en route on a domestic flight from Porlamar to Ciudad Guyana. Flightglobal's ACAS database lists YV-1010 as an ATR 42-300 which was manufactured in 1994.
According to ACAS, Conviasa has operated the aircraft for exactly four years - since September 2006. The aircraft is owned by Conviasa and was purchased by the government-owned carrier from its previous operator, Air Wales.
The aircraft was initially operated by Gill Airways.
The aircraft crashed when it hit terrain in Puerto Ordaz in the state of Bolivar. It reportedly crashed into a garbage dump located about 9km from Ciudad Guyana's airport. So far there are two confirmed casualties among the 47 occupants on board the flight.
According to ACAS, the aircraft which crashed is one of two ATR 42-300s operated by Conviasa. The carrier also operates two newer ATR 42-400s and three ATR 72-200s. Its jet fleet includes Boeing 737-200s, 737-300s and Bombardier CRJ700s.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
