Cubana de Aviación Flight 310 was a scheduled passenger flight that met a tragic fate on Christmas Day in 1999. The aircraft, a Yakovlev Yak-42, took off from Simón Bolívar International Airport, heading toward its destination in Santiago de Cuba. Shortly after takeoff, however, the plane encountered serious technical difficulties, prompting a critical situation for the crew and passengers. As the flight struggled with engine failure, the pilots attempted an emergency landing but were unable to bring the aircraft down safely.

The Yak-42 crashed in a remote area near Bejuma, Carabobo State, resulting in the death of 22 individuals, including crew members and passengers. Eyewitness accounts described a plume of smoke rising from the crash site, and rescue operations were hindered due to the challenging terrain and weather conditions. Investigators later determined that the crash was primarily caused by mechanical issues exacerbated by poor maintenance protocols, which was a significant concern in the aviation industry at the time.

Following the incident, there was a call for stricter regulations and improved safety measures for commercial airlines operating in Venezuela and the broader region. The tragedy of Flight 310 served as a reminder of the need for adherence to aviation standards to ensure the safety of air travel for passengers and crew alike.