What happened
During the departure phase from Guatemala City-La Aurora Airport, an aircraft experienced a loss of power in one of its engines. As the plane was climbing, the crew issued an emergency declaration to alert air traffic control of the situation. In an attempt to manage the failure, the captain decided to execute a return to the airport.
During this maneuver, the aircraft type lost sufficient altitude and impacted hilly terrain situated approximately 24 km south of the capital city. The impact resulted in five fatalities, including all three crew members and two passengers. Additionally, 27 other occupants sustained injuries during the accident.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the primary factor was an engine failure occurring during the climb, though the specific reason for the mechanical malfunction remains undetermined.