Summary
On 18 May 2019, at approximately 2017 UTC (14:17 local time), a Piper PA-32-260, registration N260TM, operated by CAC Aviation LLC, departed from Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport on Roatán Island, Honduras, on a flight to Guanaja Island. Minutes after takeoff, the aircraft impacted the sea about 900 meters from the airport, between Las Palmas and Dixon Cove. The pilot and four passengers sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a 1965 Piper PA-32-260, serial number 32-689, owned by Larry James Forseth. It was powered by a Lycoming O-540-E4B5 engine (serial L-13944-40) with a total time since new of 5,057:42 hours. The last 100-hour inspection was performed on 28 August 2018 at 5,057:42 hours. The aircraft was equipped with a Hartzell HC-C2YR-1BF two-blade propeller. It held a normal category airworthiness certificate (SO FSDO-64). The weight and balance documentation for the flight was not located.
Flight Sequence
The flight departed from runway 25 of Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport. The aircraft traveled approximately 1,800 meters from the runway threshold to the impact location at coordinates 16°19'19.99"N 86°30'15.56"W. The pilot maintained normal communications with air traffic control and did not declare an emergency. No anomalies were reported in navigation aids or communications systems.
Injuries and Damage
All five occupants—the pilot (Canadian, 33) and four passengers—died from multiple severe traumatic injuries. The aircraft was destroyed; the engine, propeller, wings, cabin section, and fuselage fragmented. No fire occurred. The accident site lies within a protected coral reef area; authorities coordinated with the Merchant Marine to contain fuel and oil spills.
Medical and Toxicological Findings
A forensic autopsy determined the pilot's cause of death as bilateral hemothorax and cardiac laceration. Toxicological tests for alcohol and drugs were negative. All occupants died from rapid deceleration injuries upon impact. Seats detached from their fittings and seat belts broke.
Survival Aspects
Survival opportunities were minimal due to the impact forces. The debris field included aircraft documents and personal items. Remains were transferred to the Forensic Medicine office for identification.
Investigation Status
As of the provisional report, the investigation is ongoing. The engine was sent to Lycoming Engines in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for disassembly and analysis, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The final engine inspection report had not been completed. No probable cause has been determined.