What happened
On December 14, 1995, an Aero Commander 1121, operated by American Air Network, crashed approximately 10 miles north of Guatemala City, Guatemala. The aircraft was conducting an international cargo flight under 14 CFR Part 1ES on-demand operations, having departed from Miami, Florida, the previous evening around 22:00.
During the flight, the crew encountered instrument meteorological conditions and were operating under an IFR flight plan. While attempting to land, the crew performed three separate instrument approaches toward the Guatemala City Airport. During these maneuvers, the flight crew notified air traffic controllers that the aircraft was experiencing critically low fuel reserves, which prevented them from diverting to their designated alternate airfield.
Findings
- The aircraft was destroyed upon impact.
- The accident resulted in two fatalities, involving both the pilot and the co-pilot.