What happened
On November 21, 2015, a Piper Navajo PA-31-300, registration C6-TAK, was performing a low-altitude flight intended to check aircraft instruments before proceeding to Petén. After departing from runway 20 at La Aurora International Airport, the aircraft executed an improper takeoff procedure, involving a low-altitude pass followed by an abrupt climb. During this maneuver, the crew lost control of the aircraft, causing it to plummet toward the ground.
The aircraft struck the ground near the intersection of 13th Avenue and 2nd Street in Zone 13, Guatemala City. The impact was severe enough to break the aircraft into two sections: the tail assembly struck a residential building, while the main fuselage impacted the street. A subsequent fire, fueled by a ruptured fuel tank and electrical short circuits, resulted in the total destruction of the fuselage, both engines, and the propellers. Despite the intensity of the crash and the fire, the pilot and co-pilot managed to evacuate the cabin and sustained only minor contusions.
The investigation
The DGAC/UIA investigation focused on the flight maneuvers, crew coordination, and the aircraft's mechanical state. Investigators found that the aircraft was airworthy, with all maintenance records up to date and all necessary certifications in place. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were optimal and were not a contributing factor.
While the aircraft's documentation was complete, investigators noted a lack of a flight log for determining any technical failures in the fuselage or engines immediately prior to the accident. The investigation also highlighted discrepancies between the pilots' statements regarding the control of the aircraft following takeoff. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the pilot listed on the flight plan was not the individual performing the radio communications during the flight.
Findings
- Lack of coordination regarding control handover between the crew members during the flight.
- The aircraft failed to maintain sufficient altitude to recover from the loss of lift caused by the aggressive takeoff maneuver.
- The pilot's actions pushed the aircraft to its performance limits, resulting in an inadequate margin of lift.
- The takeoff procedures used by the crew did not align with standardized operational protocols.
- The crew's statements regarding cockpit procedures were inconsistent with established standards.