Fatal aircraft impact near Guatemala City-La Aurora Airport

5 fatalities • Guatemala City-La Aurora, Guatemala • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside during its night descent into Guatemala City, resulting in the loss of all five people on board.

What happened

During a night approach to Guatemala City-La Aurora Airport, an aircraft was performing a descent toward the runway. While navigating the descent, the aircraft struck a mountain slope approximately 14.4 km before reaching the destination. The force of the collision caused the aircraft to disintegrate upon impact.

There were five fatalities recorded in the accident, as all occupants on board perished during the crash. No survivors were reported from the wreckage.

Findings

Investigations into the accident indicate that the crew failed to maintain a sufficient altitude during the descent phase. This failure to monitor altitude led to the flight path intersecting with the terrain short of the airport.

Probable cause

The crew failed to maintain the necessary altitude during the night descent, leading to a controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-02-19 IAI 1124 Westwind accident near Guatemala City-La Aurora, Guatemala?

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside during its night descent into Guatemala City, resulting in the loss of all five people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-02-19 IAI 1124 Westwind accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-02-19 involved a IAI 1124 Westwind, registration YV-160CP, operated by Inversiones Venezuela, at Guatemala City-La Aurora, Guatemala.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to maintain the necessary altitude during the night descent, leading to a controlled flight into terrain.

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