What happened
Following departure from Runway 36 at Panama City-Marcos A. Gelabert Airport, the flight crew was instructed to ascend to an altitude of 6,000 feet. Upon reaching this level, the crew experienced a loud noise originating from the engine, which subsequently ceased operation. In response to the failure, the propeller was feathered, and an emergency was declared by the flight crew.
In an effort to land the aircraft safely, the pilot began a descent toward a road situated in the Vacamonte area. During this emergency approach, the aircraft type struck trees before coming to rest on the shoulder of the road.
Findings
- The incident was triggered by a sudden engine failure following the climb to the assigned altitude.
- The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
- Despite the impact with trees, all seven occupants managed to exit the wreckage without any reported injuries.