1 fatality

2020-12-19: BAe 125 (N326TD) — Private United States of America — Sierra del Lacandón National Park, Guatemala

Sierra del Lacandón National Park, GuatemalaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 19, 2020, a BAe 125 (registration N326TD) operated by Private United States of America was involved in an aviation accident near Sierra del Lacandón National Park, Guatemala during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crash occurred during an unauthorized flight, though the exact cause of the impact remains unknown. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781190222Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed in a Mexican national park during an unauthorized flight, resulting in one fatality and two serious injuries.

What happened

During an unauthorized flight operation, an aircraft crashed within the boundaries of the Sierra del Lacandón National Park. The impact of the crash was severe, causing the aircraft to lose both of its wings and resulting in the separation of the tail section from the main fuselage.

Following the accident, search efforts located the three occupants of the plane. While all three individuals were initially found alive, they had sustained significant injuries. Two of the occupants survived the incident, but one fatality was recorded after one individual succumbed to their injuries several hours after the crash.

Findings

Investigations into the event indicate that the crew was engaged in an illegal flight at the time of the accident. The specific circumstances surrounding the loss of control or the crash itself remain undetermined. Although the aircraft was identified by the registration N326TD, there are indications that this registration may have been fraudulent.

Probable cause

The crash occurred during an unauthorized flight, though the exact cause of the impact remains unknown.