A small plane has crashed in central Cuba,with 17 passengers and crew on board,Cuban aviation officials have said.5 Britons,6 Canadians and 2 Germans were among the victims, according to the Cuban Foreign Ministry. It is thought there were no survivors. The plane, described as a Soviet-made Antonov AN-2, went down at about 4.30pm (2130 GMT) near Santa Clara, some 270 kilometres (165 miles) east of the capital, Havana. The aircraft, operated by Cuban airline Aerotaxi, was on a flight between the southern coastal town of Cienfuegos and the northern resort island of Cayo Coco.The weather was reported to be fine, and the cause of the crash was not immediately known.
More at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/americas/newsid_1874000/1874050…
By: mongu - 17th March 2002 at 21:25
RE: 17 killed in Cuban plane crash
Well, we’re back to the old idea of the US government messing in things that are not their business.
There was a debate on television in the UK today about the influence, ignorance and percieved lack of intellect of George Dubya.
The conclusion seemed to be that Tony Blair had some influence alone amongst Foreginers, but only when he agrees with him!
By: keltic - 17th March 2002 at 21:08
RE: 17 killed in Cuban plane crash
They are flying A320 from Transaer, because externally they have to face competence from other carriers. Inside no competence, no need to bring new aircraft. I have been told by a Cuban Traffic controler that ATR from Aerogaviota are just for tourists, in flights booked by western tour operators. AN24/26 had been rejected by tourists and are being used by cuban citizens in domestic flights. Thats really funny. And of course, Americans won´t allow them to have brand new aircraft. I think, the EU should be tougher with their own planes. I simply don´t understand for instance, why the US administration doesn´t allow Iran Air having the brand new A330. I know they have american pieces and equipment, but…..can these be removed and replaced by other pieces?. Politics is a crazy matter, specially sometimes when makes people to risk their lives. This brings into my mind the Iran Air crash…..bad weather conditions, bad equipment, badly equiped airports has made the T154 crashed against the mountains some weeks ago. If they had had a brand new A320 with GWPS
would this crash had happened?.
By: mongu - 17th March 2002 at 20:23
RE: 17 killed in Cuban plane crash
Hmm…I’m still not sure that it would actually be possible for Cuba to have modern aircraft – the US simply would not allow it.
By: keltic - 17th March 2002 at 18:50
RE: 17 killed in Cuban plane crash
Sure, the sanctions make things worse in the Island. But I still think the problem with aviation here is not only the deteriorated economic situation, but the aim to control the “whole cake” and not letting others to get in. The funny thing is that, they don´t feel anti-Spanish as in Peru for instance, and they really welcome other Spanish industries to participate in the process. They feel particularly happy with their roots, because it´s a way to confront americans. In aviation they still think that they can do things themselves. Reason; tourism is the main source of income and they think they can provide a full service to tourists with their airlines. They can´t build a comprehensive net of hotels, so Spanish hotel chains are allowed eventhough they usually exploit cuban workers, but they think aviation is possible with their resources. it seems that any longer. Of course the end of Embargo would help.
By: mongu - 17th March 2002 at 12:38
RE: 17 killed in Cuban plane crash
Okay keltic, I agree with the majority of your points. There is no doubt that the Cuban regime has lots of flaws; still, Cuba will be naturally reluctant to take what might be seen as a Spanish bail-out.
All sorts of former colonies feel the same; being a Brit, I’ve experienced it first hand in all sorts of places. Even back in the 60’s and 70’s, the government of Zambia refused to allow a British construction firm to build the dam at lake Kariba at a low price; the French did it instead.
But you can’t deny that US sanctions play a big part – in fact, would the US even allow ATR’s to be sold to Cuba? They must contain at least some US (engines for one!) parts and the Americans usually object very strongly to that kind of thing.
It’s obviously because the feel embarrassed at the exploding cigar era!
By: keltic - 17th March 2002 at 11:51
RE: 17 killed in Cuban plane crash
O dear I have commited some mistakes. Excuse my English. Corrections
I meant….”For years the Russians…helped…
“millions of euros”.
By: keltic - 17th March 2002 at 11:48
RE: 17 killed in Cuban plane crash
It´s a more complicated question. Living in Spain, as a former owner of the Island, and taking into account that a huge porcentage of the cubans came from the northwest, where I live, we follow their developments and help them usually. I don´t want to make any political judgement, being a necessary revolution it´s time for them to change and get rid of many things. They are always complaining against the unfair sactions, of course they are unfair, but sometimes they are using them as an excuse to justify their economic failure and unsuitability to match a regular economic system. For questions they have been helped by the Russian, and now for lots of countries, which Spain is the one which helps them the most. Hundreds of Spanish enterprises over there, the city of Habana and other are being rebuilt bu Spanish money, medicines and differents goods fly to island everyweek and hundred of millions of millions are given. We have to, it´s a part of our culture and history and we feel very closely related to them. But in the case of aviation is a question of greed. Many times, Spanish aviation sectors, have offered
help, assistance and joint ventures with Cubana. National pride, have prevented airlines like Iberia, Spanair to get substantial stakes into Cubana and flow money. Many hotel chains have offered the possility of creating third level airlines in the country. Even CASA has offered CN235 to change the planes at low price. But, proudness and arrogance have kept enterprises from Cuba. Now they get this. Even EADS and ATR have offered equipement at lower prices.
About what you ask, not EU santions exit against Cuba. Sorry for this long thing. Only Cubana is responsible for the state of Cuban Aviation. Boieng is not neccesary for having a decent fleet and spare pieces.
By: mongu - 16th March 2002 at 20:24
RE: 17 killed in Cuban plane crash
The US still has sanctions against Cuba, I believe.
It would therefore be impossible for a Cuban carrier to purchase any new airliners or the majority of spare parts for them. The parts for Soviet-bloc aircraft have always been in short supply; in the old days, once they ceased production they also stopped making parts.
It’s frankly a miracle that civil aviation exists in Cuba at all – maybe you should direct a little of your anger at Cubana towards to the Americans. I don’t think the UK or EU have the same sanctions.
By: keltic - 16th March 2002 at 20:13
RE: 17 killed in Cuban plane crash
I have just cancelled my flight to Cuba. An airline whose planes loses one wing doesn´t deserve passengers travelling on it. Sorry for the people dead.
By: Benair316P - 16th March 2002 at 08:45
RE: 17 killed in Cuban plane crash
Amen
By: PhantomII - 15th March 2002 at 23:05
RE: 17 killed in Cuban plane crash
Let’s just all keep them in our prayers. May the rest in piece.
By: mongu - 15th March 2002 at 20:31
RE: 17 killed in Cuban plane crash
Spooky…with the thread on Cubana’s safety we were all aware of the shortcomings of Cuban airlines.
By: Ja Worsley - 15th March 2002 at 13:30
RE: 17 killed in Cuban plane crash
God rest these weary souls, keep them safe in your eyes!
Amen
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March 15, 2002 at 7:32 am