What happened
On May 2, 2014, a Thrush Commander S-2R, registration TG-BEO, was engaged in an agricultural flight operation in the municipality of Tiquisate, Department of Escuintla, Guatemala. The aircraft impacted the ground at Finca Caoba. While the specific sequence of the descent is not detailed in the provided excerpts, the aircraft was operating in an area characterized by hazy conditions and low-level clouds during the morning hours.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the Unidad de Investigación de Accidentes (UIA) of the DGAC examined the aircraft's maintenance history and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. Records indicated that the aircraft had undergone a 100-hour/annual inspection in August 2013, which included servicing the hydraulic systems, inspecting the wings and flight controls, and replacing the tailwheel. The engine and propeller were also noted to be in airworthy condition following recent maintenance.
Meteorological data from the San José station provided context for the flight period. Between 07:00 and 10:00 hours on the day of the accident, conditions were characterized by calm winds and reduced horizontal visibility due to mist and haze. Cloud cover ranged from few to broken layers between 2,200 and 8,000 feet, with temperatures rising from 26°C to 33°C.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing an agricultural operation.
- Meteorological conditions included reduced visibility due to haze and mist.
- Maintenance records for the Thrush Commander S-2R showed recent inspections and compliance with relevant airworthiness directives (ADs) prior to the event.