What happened
On June 27, 2019, a Cessna 182Q, registration N5388N, was involved in an accident near the Xéjuyu farm in the municipality of El Tejarc, Chimaltenango, Guatemala. The aircraft was in the process of landing when it overran the end of the runway. During the overrun, the aircraft struck a pine tree, which caused a loss of lift and airspeed, leading to a subsequent impact with a second tree and the ground.
The impact caused the aircraft's fuel tanks to rupture, triggering a large fire that completely destroyed the airframe. The pilot and one passenger sustained severe burns due to the post-impact fire. Local residents and emergency responders evacuated the occupants and transported them to hospitals in Chimaltenango and Guatemala City for treatment.
The investigation
The DGAC/UIA investigation focused on the aircraft's performance, meteorological conditions, and the pilot's decision-making. Investigators examined the wreckage and found that the aircraft was equipped with STC-authorized landing gear modifications. While the aircraft was considered airworthy, the investigation noted that maintenance records from the previous operator were unavailable.
Analysis of the flight path revealed that the aircraft struck the terrain at an angle of approximately 20 degrees. The investigation also reviewed the meteorological data, noting that the wind conditions at the time of the landing attempt were outside the limits specified in the aircraft's flight manual for the available runway length and existing obstacles.
Findings
- The pilot failed to properly assess the wind speed and direction during the approach.
- The pilot made a late decision to execute a go-around after realizing there was insufficient runway remaining for a safe landing.
- Wind conditions, specifically a tailwind, exceeded the operational limitations defined in the flight manual for the specific runway and obstacle environment.
- The impact with trees and the ground caused the total destruction of the aircraft and the subsequent intense fire.