On July 26, 1978, a Douglas DC-3 (registration TG-ATA) operated by Aviateca was involved in an aviation accident near Flores-Mundo Maya (Santa Elena), Guatemala during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A bird strike occurred during the takeoff sequence, leading to an uncontrolled descent and crash landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
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.
