Event Overview
On January 20, 2021, at 6:31 pm local time (00:31 UTC), a Cessna 150M, registration YS 205PE, conducted an emergency landing at Monseñor Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez International Airport (MOARG) in Comalapa, El Salvador. The aircraft, operated by Escuela de Pilotos Academia Superior de Aviación (ASA) as an instruction flight, was originally flying from Tapachula, Mexico, to Ilopango International Airport, San Salvador.
Flight Details
The flight departed Tapachula, Mexico, with the intended destination of Ilopango Airport. During the late afternoon, the pilot requested a diversion to MOARG due to a NOTAM indicating closure of Ilopango Airport. While en route to MOARG, the pilot declared an emergency because of low fuel quantity. The aircraft subsequently landed on runway 25 at 6:31 pm. After landing, the engine stopped.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 150M, serial number 15077947, manufactured by Cessna. It was owned by Academia Superior de Aviación (ASA). The pilot held a commercial license and was of Salvadoran nationality. The flight was conducted as an instructional activity, and the phase of flight during the emergency was approach.
Damage and Injuries
The incident resulted in no damage to the aircraft. According to the report, there were no injuries to the two occupants in the cockpit (pilot and instructor). No information was provided regarding cabin crew, passengers, or persons on the ground; the report indicates 'none' for pilot cabin occupants and blank entries for others.
Location and Context
The event occurred at MOARG, located in the municipality of Comalapa, La Paz department, El Salvador. The airport is also known as Aeropuerto Internacional Monseñor Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez. The initial report was filed by the Unidad de Investigación de Accidentes e Incidentes of the Autoridad de Aviación Civil (AAC) de El Salvador, under Technical Report Number AAC-002/21 RI.