Aircraft crash near Cobán Airport during positioning flight

2 fatalities • Cobán, Guatemala • Landing (descent or approach)

A positioning flight from Guatemala City ended in a fatal crash in a wooded area near Cobán Airport due to low visibility.

What happened

While performing a positioning flight from Guatemala City, an aircraft encountered challenging meteorological conditions characterized by heavy fog and restricted visibility. During the approach to Cobán Airport, the aircraft descended below a safe altitude and collided with trees. The impact occurred in a forested region situated approximately 7.2 km before the runway threshold.

Findings

  • The flight was operating in poor weather conditions with significantly reduced visibility.
  • The aircraft struck vegetation while at an insufficient altitude during the approach phase.
  • The accident resulted in two fatalities, involving both the pilot and the co-pilot.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck trees during the approach due to low altitude and limited visibility caused by fog.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-02-16 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Cobán, Guatemala?

A positioning flight from Guatemala City ended in a fatal crash in a wooded area near Cobán Airport due to low visibility.

Were there any fatalities in the 1996-02-16 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-02-16 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration TG-JAK, operated by Avcom - Aviones Comerciales de Guatemala, at Cobán, Guatemala.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck trees during the approach due to low altitude and limited visibility caused by fog.

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