What happened
On July 5, 2019, a Piper Comanche PA 24-250, registered as TG-DAN, crashed in the Residenciales Cañadas de Coatepeque area, within the municipality of Coatepeque, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. The aircraft was involved in a flight operation that ended in a high-impact collision with the ground. The impact occurred seconds after the aircraft had departed, resulting in the total destruction of the airframe and the death of the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the DGAC/UIA examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the departure. Forensic analysis of the deceased confirmed that the injuries were consistent with extreme deceleration and blunt force trauma resulting from a high-velocity impact with the ground. The investigation noted that the aircraft's structural integrity was compromised by the force of the crash, with the cockpit area showing significant deformation.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in the vicinity of Coatepeque at the time of the accident.
- The impact was characterized by extreme physical forces, leading to multiple severe fractures and internal organ destruction.
- The crash occurred during the initial phase of flight, shortly after takeoff.
- Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident included CAVOK (ceiling and visibility OK) with temperatures around 31 degrees Celsius.