What happened
On October 16, 2014, a Piper Seneca II PA-34-200T, registered as N38782, was conducting a private flight in the municipality of Morales, Izabal, Guatemala. The aircraft was operating under a foreign flight authorization (No. AW-047-14) granted by the DGAC.
During the landing phase of the flight, the aircraft struck the ground with its landing gear in the retracted position. The impact caused significant damage to the lower structure of the fuselage and various components, including the right flap actuator rod and the landing gear support. The pilot and passengers were able to evacuate the aircraft on their own without any injuries.
The investigation
The DGAC/UIA investigation examined the aircraft's technical status and the pilot's actions. The investigation found that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid and that the weight and balance were not a factor, as the aircraft was not carrying luggage. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were favorable, with calm winds and unlimited visibility.
While the investigation noted that maintenance records for the foreign-registered aircraft were limited, the aircraft's systems were observed to be functioning normally during the examination. The pilot, a qualified commercial aviator and flight instructor, had no history of adverse psychological or physiological factors that would have impaired performance.