Incident Overview
A cargo flight operating a route from San Salvador to Miami with an intermediate stop in Guatemala City ended in disaster when the aircraft crashed into a residential area southeast of Guatemala City-La Aurora Airport. The aircraft was carrying a load of clothes and vegetables.
Sequence of Events
After takeoff from La Aurora Airport, while climbing, the crew declared an emergency following the failure of one engine. The pilot-in-command initiated a left turn, during which control of the aircraft was lost. The airplane subsequently crashed in a residential area located approximately 8 kilometers from the airport.
Casualties and Damage
The aircraft was destroyed in the impact, and several houses on the ground were also destroyed. All three crew members aboard the aircraft were killed. Additionally, 24 people on the ground lost their lives, and several others sustained serious injuries.