What happened
On May 11, 2012, a Convair 580, registration N171FL, was performing a landing at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. During the final approach, the aircraft's approach speed was noted as being excessively high. As the aircraft neared the runway, the radio altimeter issued several warnings. The crew discussed the possibility of a long float during the landing sequence. Following the landing, the aircraft sustained substantial structural damage.
The investigation
An investigation conducted by the Guatemalan Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) examined the flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation included an audit of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), which revealed that the crew maintained professional communication and had completed the landing pre-landing checklists. The investigators also reviewed the maintenance logs, which showed the aircraft was undergoing a mid-service inspection and had recent engine and propeller maintenance.
Meteorological data from the INSIVUMEH station at the airport indicated that between 10:00 and 13:00 local time, the weather consisted of scattered clouds at 2,000 feet, including powerful towering cumulus (TCU) and some cumulonimbus (CB) clouds to the south-southwest. Visibility was slightly reduced due to haze.
Findings
- The aircraft's approach speed was too high during the final approach.
- The crew's discussion of a long float suggests an awareness of the high energy state of the aircraft prior to touchdown.
- Meteorological conditions included the presence of convective clouds (TCU/CB) in the vicinity of the airport.
- The aircraft sustained significant structural damage upon impact/landing.