Aircraft and Flight Details
On 26 June 2023, a Piper Tomahawk PA-38-11N (serial number 38-79-A0940), registration YS 331 PE, operated by a flight school, departed from Aeropuerto Internacional Ilopango at 2:40 PM for an instructional flight. The aircraft was occupied by a flight instructor and a student pilot. The flight was intended for training exercises in the practice area over the Suchitoto reservoir.
Sequence of Events
Approximately 20 minutes after departure, the aircraft experienced a critical loss of engine power. The pilots attempted to follow emergency procedures to restore power. Unable to maintain altitude and speed, they attempted to glide toward a nearby field for an emergency landing. However, the aircraft struck trees before reaching the intended landing site. The accident occurred at 3:00 PM (21:00 UTC).
Injuries and Damage
Both pilots sustained serious injuries, including ligament tears, fractures, and severe contusions. No fatalities were reported. The aircraft sustained extensive damage: the nose landing gear collapsed, the forward fuselage structure was crushed, the tail section was bent and deformed, the instrument panel was destroyed, and the engine impacted the firewall. The Lycoming O-235-L2C engine was destroyed, and one propeller blade was broken with severe deformation. Both wings suffered extensive fractures and irreparable damage. The wreckage was concentrated within a 10-meter radius, and damage was limited to trees in a wooded area; no residential or infrastructure damage occurred.
Investigation Findings
The investigation revealed undetected engine failures, suggesting possible deficiencies in maintenance inspections or procedures. The aircraft was a Piper Tomahawk PA-38-11N, manufactured under serial number 38-79-A0940. The investigation was conducted by the Departamento de Investigación de Accidentes e Incidentes of the Autoridad de Aviación Civil (AAC) of El Salvador, following ICAO Annex 13 guidelines.