What happened
On April 28, 2013, a Cessna 414-A, registration HR-AWL, disappeared after departing the Rio Dulce aerodrome in the Izabal Department of Guatemala. The aircraft had originally arrived at Rio Dulce from La Aurora International Airport and remained on the aerodrome's runway for approximately three days.
According to reports, the aircraft departed the airfield with an unknown destination and without establishing any communication with air traffic control services. The disappearance was officially reported to the Guatemalan authorities by the DGAC of Honduras.
The investigation
The investigation by the DGAC Flight Safety and Accident Investigation Department established that the aircraft's last known communication occurred during its initial flight to Rio Dulce, when it ceased contact with air traffic control at approximately 08:21 UTC.
Investigators noted that while the aircraft was observed on the runway for several days, its subsequent departure was conducted without a filed flight plan or any contact with national air traffic control centers. Because no accident or incident was reported following this departure, the exact location of the aircraft or any potential impact area remains unknown. The number of occupants and the status of the crew at the time of the disappearance could not be determined.
Findings
- The aircraft departed the Rio Dulable aerodrome with an unknown destination.
- The crew failed to establish communication with air traffic control services on any frequency during the departure.
- No flight plan was filed for the flight following the departure from Rio Dulce.