Aircraft-loss following bird strike during takeoff

No fatalities • Flores-Mundo Maya (Santa Elena), Guatemala • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft sustained a total loss after colliding with a bird during its departure phase, resulting in an emergency crash landing in a swamp.

What happened

During the initial climb following takeoff, the aircraft encountered a bird strike. This mid-air collision necessitated an immediate emergency response from the flight crew. While attempting to manage the situation, the plane departed from the intended flight path and moved beyond the runway threshold.

The aircraft subsequently crash landed in a swampy region situated past the end of the airstrip. Despite the impact of the landing, there were no injuries reported among those on board. However, the structural damage sustained during the incident was severe enough that the aircraft was declared a total loss.

Findings

  • The primary factor leading to the emergency was a bird strike occurring during the takeoff phase of flight.

Probable cause

A bird strike occurred during the takeoff sequence, leading to an uncontrolled descent and crash landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-07-26 Douglas DC-3 accident near Flores-Mundo Maya (Santa Elena), Guatemala?

An aircraft sustained a total loss after colliding with a bird during its departure phase, resulting in an emergency crash landing in a swamp.

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-07-26 Douglas DC-3 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1978-07-26 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration TG-ATA, operated by Aviateca, at Flores-Mundo Maya (Santa Elena), Guatemala.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A bird strike occurred during the takeoff sequence, leading to an uncontrolled descent and crash landing.

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