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The Daily Mirror has breaking news out of Havana, Cuba that a passenger 737 with between 104-107 passengers (crew number unknown) has crashed just after takeoff. Based on early reports from the Mirror, it seems unlikely to have any survivors, bursting into flames upon returning to the ground.
According to the report it was a domestic flight to Holguien, Cuba which would support it as a Cubana aircraft. It looks like it was most likely CU972. However, that aircraft (Anotonov AN-158) would not have had 104 passengers as its max capacity is just 99 passengers, Jason Rabinowitz has noted that Blue Panorama has been running Cubana routes for four months with a 737-400.
A Twitter user (Matt Blakeley) reported that it was an “American” flight but it is unclear if it was an American Airlines aircraft or simply a flight headed to America. The closest American Airlines flight to have departed would have been AA1334 but the information on Flight Stats suggests that flight was delayed but that would also be normal if there was a ground delay following an incident.
CNN is reporting that in fact it was a Cubana 737 however, they do not have any in their fleet (and it would be difficult to get them unless through the secondhand market due to trade restrictions with the US). Due to the maintenance difficulties, Cubana has had it would be more likely that CNN had the carrier right and the aircraft would have been incorrectly identified. Mr. Rabinowitz has confirmed that there was an aircraft swap from the AN-158 to a 737-400 operated by Blue Panorama.
Jason Rabinowitz has reported that a Blue Panorama 737-400 has been flying domestic Cuban routes on Cubana’s behalf for several months.
According to the report the aircraft crashed around 12:30 PM near the airport and close to a school. No reports of injuries or deaths on the ground have been reported as of yet. Fox News is reporting that there could be survivors as some were rushed in ambulances to hospitals. Another report has suggested that at least three have survived but remain in critical condition at area hospitals.
It’s always a good idea to review safety information before you fly, I always look for exits and count the rows from them when I board, even on familiar aircraft.
While details are limited right now, I will try to update with details.
Why not just redirect to actual reports instead of being a scummy ambulance chaser click-bait scammer?
Pathetic!
There are about half a dozen links, at least three of which go to outside reports. So…
A Boeing 737 airliner from Cuba’s state airline Cubana de Aviacion has crashed and exploded near Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, Cuban media report.
The plane came down shortly after take-off, Prensa Latina news agency said.
Radio Habana Cuba said it was an internal flight from the Cuban capital to Holguin, in the east of the island.
From: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-44176899
I agree that a Cubana 737 sounds fishy but if they know it was to Holguin, Cuba, that means something.
Updated with new information.
http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20180518-0
Excellent source, thank you.
The Cubana flight (CU6220) appears to be a codeshare with Copa (CM219) (If the Havana Airport departures list is correct; didn’t know Cubana had codeshares). Flight Aware shows the plane is a 737-800 and it is en route. The AA flight is an A319 and is listed as en route on flight aware as well. No clue what is going on. Are they sure it was a Havana departure?
The one thing that has been agreed by everyone is that it was a departure from Havana. I think Jason Rabinowitz has sourced the answer and the post is updated with that information.
CBS News is reporting it was an intra-Cuba flight operated by Cubana and the airline leased the 737 because of problems with its aging fleet. Looks like it was CU1940 from HAV to CYO.
I have updated the post accordingly with similar information. However, it seems certain that it was CU972 to Holguien. http://holguin.airportcuba.net/arrivals.html
https://twitter.com/AlexInAir?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Global Air (Damojh Aerolíneas) is the 737 operator, it’s reported. Blue Panorama’s 737 in Cuba is reportedly safe.
What’s going on, Fidel?
Your type of reporting using totally unsubstantiated information is totally off base. Go fund another profession, this is not working.
Uncalled for Greg. This was posted as the story was breaking.