Accident Overview
A humanitarian flight departed from Guatemala City-La Aurora airport on a mission to transport one pilot, one passenger, and a load consisting of food and essential products to Cobán. After taking off from runway 02, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent during the initial climb. It struck trees and high tension wires before crashing in the 4th Avenue located in the Zone 9 district, approximately 980 meters from the end of runway 02.
Aftermath
The aircraft was destroyed by the impact forces and a post-crash fire. Both occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The investigation identified the following contributing factors: the demand for food and the population's urgent need for aid likely led the crew to make the erroneous decision to increase the load and materials for transport; the aircraft exceeded the permissible flight load capacity, carrying 8,055 lbs instead of the allowable 7,255 lbs; and a probable shift of the cargo toward the rear of the aircraft negatively affected the center of gravity, disrupting the minimum weight and balance requirements, which prevented the aircraft from climbing and maintaining proper flight.