Overview
- INAC said the PAY1 aircraft, registration YV1443, crashed at 9:52 a.m. local time during the takeoff roll at Paramillo and activated the JIAAC to investigate.
- Bystander video shows the Piper Cheyenne lifting abruptly, rolling, striking the runway and erupting in flames within seconds.
- Local reports cite a possible tire explosion or mechanical failure during the takeoff run as an initial hypothesis, which authorities have not confirmed.
- The post‑impact fire destroyed most of the airframe, hindering rescue efforts and complicating the recovery of evidence.
- The victims were identified extra‑officially as pilot José Antonio Bortone and Juan Maldonado, and Banco Sofitasa’s president said the aircraft belonged to the bank and had been flown the previous day.