What happened
On February 13, 2023, a Cessna 172H, registration N8203L, was performing a private flight departing from the Parque Central estate airstrip in the municipality of San Francisco, Petén, Guatemala. The aircraft was carrying three occupants, including the pilot and two passengers, en route to La Aurora International Airport.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft was unable to reach the necessary rotation speed before the end of the runway. Witnesses observed the aircraft performing a steep climb before pitching forward and impacting the ground. The impact was followed by an intense fire that consumed the aircraft and the occupants. Due to the severity of the post-impact fire, there were 3 fatalities and no survivors.
The investigation
The DGAC/UIA investigation focused on the takeoff performance and the condition of the departure surface. Investigators analyzed the aircraft's weight and balance, noting that while the total weight of the occupants and aircraft was within established limits, the operational requirements for takeoff were not met. The investigation also examined the physical state of the airstrip and the maintenance of the aircraft.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the runway length was insufficient for the required takeoff distance; the aircraft required 865 meters to reach takeoff speed, but the available runway was only 700 meters.
- The presence of high grass on the runway surface acted as a contributing factor by increasing rolling resistance and restricting the aircraft's forward progress.
- The aircraft was properly certified, equipped, and maintained according to regulations.
- The aircraft's takeoff performance was compromised because the pilot attempted to rotate before reaching the necessary airspeed for the given weight.