Engine Failure Leads to Emergency Landing of Ayres Thrush in Guatemala

Casualties unknown • PARCELAMIENTO LOS ANGELES, MUNICIPIO DE SAN JOSE,, GT

An Ayres Thrush S2R-T34 experienced an engine failure due to fuel exhaustion, resulting in an emergency landing on a roadway in Escuintla.

What happened

On June 14, 2019, an Ayres Thrush S2R-T34, registration N2016G, was performing agricultural spraying operations in the municipality of San José, Escuintla, Guatemala. The aircraft was operating out of the Polonia farm, tasked with dispersing herbicides over local crops. During the flight, the engine ceased functioning, forcing the pilot to perform an emergency landing on a nearby roadway. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft uninjured, and no third parties were harmed during the impact.

The investigation

The DGAC/UIA investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the operational procedures regarding fuel management. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance logs, which showed the plane was airworthy and compliant with its maintenance program. Post-accident inspections of the flight controls and dynamic components revealed no mechanical malfunctions. However, a physical inspection of the fuel system, including the fuel control unit (FCU) filter and the fuel tanks, revealed that the aircraft had run out of fuel during the operation.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the engine failure was fuel exhaustion resulting from improper fuel management.
  • The aircraft's fuel system was found to be empty at the time of the investigation.
  • Meteorological conditions and visibility were not contributing factors to the accident.
  • The pilot was fully qualified and medically fit for the operation.
  • There was no evidence of mechanical failure in the engine, propeller, or flight controls.

Probable cause

The engine failure and subsequent emergency landing were caused by the absence of fuel in the tanks due to improper fuel administration and management during the agricultural operation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-06-14 aircraft accident near PARCELAMIENTO LOS ANGELES, MUNICIPIO DE SAN JOSE,, GT?

An Ayres Thrush S2R-T34 experienced an engine failure due to fuel exhaustion, resulting in an emergency landing on a roadway in Escuintla.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-06-14 involved a aircraft, registration N2016G, at PARCELAMIENTO LOS ANGELES, MUNICIPIO DE SAN JOSE,, GT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure and subsequent emergency landing were caused by the absence of fuel in the tanks due to improper fuel administration and management during the agricultural operation.

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