What happened
On April 15, 2012, a Bell 206L-III helicopter, registration TG-BGM, operated by Transportes Aéreos de Guatemala, was involved in a fatal accident in the municipality of Antigua Guatemala, Department of Sacatepéquez. The aircraft was performing a flight toward Antigua Guatemala when it struck residential structures at Casa No. 18 and No. 20C, 1era. Avenida Sur.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the DGAC/UIA examined the aircraft's weight and balance records, maintenance history, and the circumstances of the impact. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was operating with a takeoff gross weight of 3,965.1 pounds, which was within the maximum allowable takeoff weight of 4,150 pounds. The longitudinal center of gravity was also within the certified limits. The wreckage analysis and impact site examination focused on the sequence of events leading to the collision with the buildings.