What happened
On September 23, 2006, at approximately 09:00 local time, a Cessna 206F, registration TG-DAK, was performing flight training maneuvers at the Chiquimula airstrip in Guatemala. The flight originated from La Aurora International Airport, where the aircraft departed at 07:15 local time. The pilot, a student pilot with 42 total flight hours, was conducting a training flight intended to prepare for a private pilot license.
During the flight, the pilot attempted a touch-and-go landing. While executing the maneuver, the aircraft failed to regain sufficient airspeed for a subsequent takeoff. The aircraft subsequently exited the runway at the end of the strip, overshooting the paved surface and coming to rest on a nearby local road. The impact caused severe damage to the aircraft's engine, propeller, and airframe structure.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the DGAC/UIA confirmed that the aircraft's documentation, including airworthiness certificates and maintenance logs for the engine and propeller, were current and valid. The aircraft had undergone a recent inspection in July 2006 and had a total time of 2,176 hours. The investigation also verified that the student pilot held a valid student pilot certificate.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during the touch-and-go maneuver, which prevented a successful takeoff.
- The aircraft's speed was insufficient to continue the flight but too high to stop within the remaining runway length.
- The aircraft exited the runway perimeter and entered a local road.