Were there any fatalities in the 1974-12-29 Lockheed 18 LodeStar accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 24 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1974-12-29 involved a Lockheed 18 LodeStar, registration TG-HTM, operated by Erwin Ortiz, at Tikal, Guatemala.

1974-12-29: Lockheed 18 LodeStar (TG-HTM) — Erwin Ortiz — Tikal, Guatemala

24 fatalitiesTikal, GuatemalaTakeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside shortly after departing Tikal Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 24 people on board.

What happened

Shortly after departing from Tikal Airport, an aircraft entered an uncontrollable descent during its initial climb. The plane struck a mountain slope situated only a few kilometers away from the airfield. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe.

There were 24 fatalities recorded in the accident, with no survivors. Among the deceased were 21 passengers traveling from the area back to Guatemala City.

Findings

Official investigations into the crash did not reach a definitive conclusion regarding the exact reason for the loss of control. However, investigators did not dismiss the possibility that an in-flight fire may have occurred, leading to the subsequent loss of control over the aircraft.

Probable cause

The precise cause remains undetermined, though an in-flight fire is considered a possible contributing factor.