Accident Details
A Guatemalan-registered aircraft collided with the ground while conducting an airdrop of marijuana bales on a beach. According to a witness, the aircraft was making low passes over the beach when its propeller struck the sand, causing the propeller to separate from the aircraft. The aircraft continued for approximately 600 feet before executing a gear-up landing on the beach. After landing, the crew attempted to set the aircraft on fire but were unsuccessful.
Official Findings
The official probable cause report identifies the occurrence as an in-flight collision with terrain/water during the maneuvering phase. The findings include: a low pass performed by the pilot in command, dark night lighting conditions, misjudgment of altitude by the pilot in command, separation of the propeller system/accessories, and a wheels-up landing performed by the pilot in command.