On January 16, 1983, a Douglas DC-3 (registration TG-SAB) operated by Private Guatemala was involved in an aviation accident near Bay City, United States of America in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water Phase of operation: maneuvering Findings 1. (f) low pass - performed - pilot in command 2. (f) light condition - dark night 3. (c) altitude - misjudged - pilot in command 4. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A Guatemalan-registered aircraft struck the beach and lost its propeller while airdropping marijuana bales, then performed a gear-up landing 600 feet away. The crew attempted to set the aircraft on fire but failed.
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.