What happened
On December 18, 2020, a Cessna 182P, registered as TG-CCF, was conducting a private flight in Guatemala. While in transit, the aircraft's engine ceased operation, leading to a crash in the municipality of Santo Domingo Xenacoj, within the department of Sacatepéquez. The pilot was able to exit the wreckage on his own and sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the DGAC/UIA established that the aircraft was in an airworthy condition and possessed all necessary documentation, including a valid airworthiness certificate, registration, and insurance. Maintenance records indicated the aircraft had undergone its last 100-hour inspection on February 28, 2020. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were favorable, with unlimited visibility and winds from 360° at 20 knots.
Upon examining the wreckage, investigators found that there was no fuel remaining in the tanks after they were drained during the recovery process. The investigation also noted that the pilot was unable to establish contact with air traffic control centers due to the terrain and flight altitude, though the transponder was activated on the emergency frequency 7700.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was fuel exhaustion.
- The pilot failed to recognize that the fuel levels were insufficient to complete the return flight during the pre-flight or in-flight monitoring.
- The engine shut down mid-flight because the fuel supply was depleted.