Linea Aeropostal Venezolana Flight 253 (November 1956)

Linea Aeropostal Venezolana (LAV) Flight 253 was a scheduled passenger flight that crashed on November 27, 1956, shortly after taking off from Caracas, Venezuela, killing all 25 people on board. The aircraft was a Lockheed Super Constellation (registration YV-C-AMA) en route to New York City.

The flight departed Caracas International Airport (now Simón Bolívar International Airport) in Maiquetía. According to reports, the aircraft experienced engine trouble shortly after takeoff. The pilot attempted to return to the airport, but the aircraft crashed into a mountain near Caracas.

The crash was attributed to engine failure and a possible loss of control following the engine malfunction. At the time, it was one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Venezuelan history. The incident prompted a review of LAV's safety procedures and contributed to increased scrutiny of Lockheed Super Constellation maintenance worldwide. The wreckage was located in a mountainous region, hindering rescue and recovery efforts. All passengers and crew perished in the crash.