Accident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft operating a flight from Guatemala City-La Aurora Airport to San Salvador-Ilopango Airport crashed into a meat packing plant located in the approach path. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces, and the building sustained damage. The accident resulted in the deaths of all three occupants—the pilot and two passengers—as well as one individual inside the factory.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft departed Guatemala City-La Aurora Airport at 0840 local time. Approximately four to five minutes after takeoff, while climbing in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the pilot reported technical problems with the instruments and received clearance for an immediate return to the airport. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and struck the meat packing plant.
Investigation
Official findings determined the probable cause of the accident to be a loss of control following the failure of the attitude indicator while climbing in IMC conditions.