What happened
On February 9, 2023, a Textron Aviation Inc. Cessna T206H, registration TG-DGC, was performing a private flight to the Finca 13 Aguas airstrip in the municipality of Senahú, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. While the weather conditions were generally favorable for flight, the runway surface was flooded due to heavy rainfall during the previous night and early morning hours.
Upon landing, the aircraft experienced aquaplaning, which caused a loss of traction between the tires and the wet runway surface. This loss of friction prevented the pilot from effectively braking the aircraft. Because the runway was a confined field with obstacles located at the northern threshold, the pilot was unable to execute a go-around to avoid the excursion. The aircraft subsequently overran the runway, resulting in structural damage to the airframe, including the nose gear, propeller, and fuselage.
The investigation
The DGAC/UIA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's qualifications, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators confirmed that the aircraft was in an airworthy condition and had been maintained according to the manufacturer's program. The pilot was found to be fully qualified and in good physical and psychological condition, with no evidence of human factors contributing to the event. The investigation also noted that the runway surface was inadequate for safe braking due to the standing water.