On February 16, 1996, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration TG-JAK) operated by Avcom - Aviones Comerciales de Guatemala was involved in an aviation accident near Cobán, Guatemala during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew continued their descent below the minimum descent altitude during instrument meteorological conditions, leading to controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A positioning flight from Guatemala City crashed in a wooded area short of the runway at Cobán Airport due to low visibility and terrain impact.
What happened
During a repositioning flight originating from Guatemala City, an aircraft was performing an approach toward Cobán Airport. The operation took place under challenging meteorological conditions characterized by heavy fog, which significantly restricted the crew's visibility.
While attempting the approach, the aircraft descended to an altitude that was insufficient for the terrain ahead. The plane impacted a group of trees in a forested region situated approximately 7.2 km before reaching the runway threshold. The impact resulted in two fatalities, as both pilots on board were killed in the accident.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the incident was a result of controlled flight into terrain. This occurred because the crew proceeded with their descent below the minimum descent altitude while operating in instrument meteorological conditions.
Probable cause
The crew continued their descent below the minimum descent altitude during instrument meteorological conditions, leading to controlled flight into terrain.