Agape Flights Embraer 110 Missionary Flight Lost in Haiti; No Survivors

An Agape Flights Embraer 110 aircraft operated by the Florida-based missions organization has been confirmed lost following a crash in mountainous terrain in Haiti, bringing a tragic end to an overnight search and rescue effort and sending shockwaves through the close-knit aviation ministry community.

Agape Flights CEO Allen Speer delivered the confirmation in a somber update on Friday, 6 February, stating that the organization has confirmed that there were no survivors. The aircraft, an Embraer 110 Bandeirante registered as N316AF, was operating a mission flight when contact was lost on Thursday afternoon, 5 February.

“Today is a day none of us ever imagined having to stand before you like this,” Speer said in a message posted on Agape’s YouTube and social media pages. “It’s with heavy hearts that we want to share an update that has shaken our entire Agape Flights community.”

According to Speer, the aircraft dropped off radar over Jérémie, Haiti, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation that continued through the night and into Friday. The wreckage was ultimately located in the mountainous terrain to the southeast of Jérémie, and while the cause of the crash remains unknown, the outcome is now tragically clear.

“What we do know and what we share with you is profound sorrow,” Speer said. “We do not believe that there were any survivors. Our hearts are broken.”

The organization has not released additional details about the flight, including the number of passengers on board. 

Timeline of the Final Flight

Data from FlightAware provides a partial picture of the aircraft’s final movements, though flight tracking in Haitian airspace can be inconsistent and should be interpreted carefully.

The Embraer 110 began its day at Venice Municipal Airport (VNC) in Florida, the longtime home base of Agape Flights. N316AF departed Venice at 0734 local time bound for North Eleuthera Airport (ELH) in the Bahamas, a common refueling stop for Haiti-bound missionary flights from Florida. The aircraft arrived in Eleuthera at 0905 and departed again at 0936, this time bound for Cap-Haïtien International Airport (CAP) on Haiti’s northern coast.

FlightAware data shows the next leg of the journey listed with estimated times rather than confirmed radar tracking. The aircraft was shown departing Cap-Haïtien at 1318, with a last estimated position near Jérémie at 1351. A subsequent track shows the aircraft first appearing near Jérémie at 1433 local time, with contact lost four minutes later at 1437 over mountainous terrain southeast of the city.

Jérémie lies along the southwestern coast of Haiti’s southern peninsula, roughly 180 miles from Port-au-Prince. It remains unclear whether the aircraft actually landed in Jérémie or was transiting the area when tracking ceased.

The aircraft was built in 1980 and was 46 years old at the time of the accident.

A Workhorse Aircraft With a Long Legacy

The Embraer 110 Bandeirante holds an important place in aviation history, both globally and within mission aviation. First flown in 1968, the type entered commercial service in the early 1970s and helped propel Embraer into the ranks of major global aircraft manufacturers. Between 1968 and 1990, 501 examples were built in numerous configurations, capable of carrying between 15 and 21 passengers or substantial cargo loads.

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Although production ended more than three decades ago, the EMB 110 continued flying well into the modern era. As recently as 2018, approximately 150 examples remained in service worldwide with airlines, air taxi operators, governments, and air forces.

Notably, the Embraer 110 was the launch aircraft for the Irish budget carrier Ryanair. 

At Agape Flights, the Embraer 110 was configured for cargo operations and could carry up to 3,000 pounds of supplies. Alongside a Cessna F406, the aircraft formed the backbone of the organization’s aviation ministry, delivering critical humanitarian aid, medical supplies, mail, and everyday necessities to missionary partners throughout the Caribbean.

Nearly 45 Years of Service and Faith

Agape Flights was founded in 1980 by Keith and Clara Starkey following mission trips to Haiti, Spain, Guatemala, and Africa. Seeking a way to expand their impact, they turned to aviation, purchasing a Cessna 411 and launching their first mission flight from Sarasota to Cap-Haïtien later that same year.

Operating out of a modest hangar at Venice Municipal Airport, Agape has grown into a vital logistical lifeline for roughly 300 missionaries and affiliated partners. The organization employs 13 paid staff members and relies heavily on a volunteer force of approximately 150 individuals, including pilots who donate their time and expertise.

While Agape Flights functions as a shipping operation on paper, faith and service remain central to its identity. Mission partners pay a modest annual fee and share shipping costs, while donors and corporate supporters frequently step in to cover expenses. In addition to routine deliveries, Agape has repeatedly supported disaster relief efforts, including emergency flights following Haiti’s devastating 2021 earthquake.

“We listen. We respond. God always delivers,” Speer said, reaffirming the organization’s core beliefs even in the face of tragedy.

In his message, Speer asked for prayers for the families of the pilots lost in the crash and for the entire Agape community as it begins to grieve.

“We ask for prayer for strength when the weight feels unbearable, for comfort when there are no words, and for God’s peace to surround them in every moment,” he said. “Please allow God to guide this situation and to work in ways that only He can.”

Out of respect for those involved, Agape Flights has stated that no names or additional details will be released at this time.