What happened
On January 23, 2017, a Robinson R44 Astro helicopter, registered as TG-DAR, was involved in an accident in the municipality of Santa María, located in the department of Sacatepéquez, Guatemala. The aircraft was engaged in a flight operation when it impacted the ground, resulting in the destruction of the helicopter.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the Unidad de Investigación de Accidentes e Incidentes Aéreos (UIA) of the DGAC examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The investigators analyzed the aircraft's maintenance records, weight and balance documentation, and the environmental conditions at the time of the occurrence. The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the impact and the physical state of the aircraft's components upon landing.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its structure, rendering it a total loss.
- The investigation identified unsafe acts related to the pilot's decision-making and flight management prior to the accident.
- The crash occurred in a region characterized by the terrain of Sacatepéquez.