Crash Venezuelan Air Force Su-30MK2V
On 2 July 2023, an Aviación Militar Nacional Bolivariana (AMNB, Venezuelan Air Force) Sukhoi Su-30MK2V fighter aircraft crashed during the Air Parade practice of upcoming 5 July celebrations.
The Flanker, serial 3363, broke the formation after it experienced engine troubles after a bird ingestion forcing both pilots to eject. The aircraft crashed in an unpopulated area between Paracotos and Tejerias in the state of Miranda.
The Venezuelan Su-30MK2Vs are operated by two different Grupo Aéreo de Caza. Grupo Aéreo de Caza 11 (GAC11) is based at El Sombrero/Capitan Manuel Rios Guarico AB (BAEMARI) and controls two squadrons: Escuadrón 33 Halcones and Escuadrón 34 Caciques. The other Grupo is Grupo Aéreo de Caza Libertador 13 (GAC13) which is based at Barcelona/Luis del Valle Garcia AB (BAVALLE). This Grupo controls three squadrons; Escuadrón 131 Cayaurima, Escuadrón 132 Pumas/Yavire and Escuadrón 133 Urimare.
It is reported that ill-fated aircraft was operated by GAC13 from Barcelona/Luis del Valle Garcia AB. Venezuela ordered 24 Su-30MK2V Flankers and first deliveries started in 2006. According to the Scramble Magazine database, three aircraft have been lost.
Photo by Wim Sonneveld