Agape Flights plane located after crashing in Haiti, no survivors reported: officials
VENICE, Fla. - A local missionary aviation organization says they don't believe anybody survived after one of its flights crashed in the mountains of Haiti, according to officials.
Agape Flights, based out of Venice, posted on Facebook that it lost contact with a N316AF Embraer 110 Bandeirante on Thursday. The aircraft was located on Friday afternoon in the mountains of Jeremie, Haiti.
"Our hearts are broken. We grieve deeply for the families of the pilots who are now enduring an unimaginable loss," said CEO of Agape Flights Allen Speer.
What we know:
The aircraft is a twin-turboprop commonly used by the ministry for these regional cargo flights. In a video posted on the organization's Facebook page, Speer said there was a search and rescue effort underway through the night Thursday and into Friday.
According to FlightAware, tracking records show that the plane was last seen traveling between Jeremie, Haiti and Les Cayes, Haiti on Thursday afternoon. Officials with the organization said Friday that they do not know why the aircraft crashed.
"We ask for prayers for the pilots and their families, and for the entire family of Agape Flights during this incredibly difficult time," the organization said in a statement. "We also respectfully request privacy for the families as they navigate these moments with courage and grace."
The backstory:
Agape Flights is a non-profit based at the Venice Municipal Airport. For decades, the ministry has served as a critical lifeline for missionaries on the ground in the Caribbean.
They provide emergency supplies and medical equipment, mail and cargo for hundreds of missionary families.
What we don't know:
Agape Flights has not said how many people were on board or their names.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by Agape Flights.