What happened
On October 4, 2018, a Trush Aircraft S-2R, registration TG-ACO, was performing agricultural spraying operations over a banana plantation at Finca Imara, located in the municipality of Tiquisate, Escuintla. The flight was part of a mission to apply herbicide to the crops, departing from the La Flora airfield.
During the execution of low-altitude maneuvers, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft struck the ground with significant velocity, resulting in the total destruction of the airframe. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries but survived the impact. The survival of the crew member was attributed to the use of a seatbelt and the soft, moist nature of the impact terrain.
The investigation
The DGAC/UIA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's qualifications, and the flight conditions. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy, with all maintenance performed according to the manufacturer's program and a valid airworthiness certificate. The pilot was a qualified commercial pilot with no reported physical or psychological limitations.
Investigators analyzed the flight path and the aircraft's performance during the maneuver. The investigation established that the aircraft was flying at a low altitude and was performing tight turns. The technical analysis of the wreckage and the flight trajectory indicated that the aircraft was not in a controlled glide during the final moments of the flight.