Agricultural Spraying Aircraft Crashes in Guatemala Due to Low Visibility

Casualties unknown • Finca York, municipio de Morales, departamento de Izabal,, GT

A Thrush S2R-T34 agricultural aircraft crashed in the Izabal department of Guatemala, resulting in the death of the pilot following an encounter with dense fog.

What happened

On May 9, 2018, a Thrush S2R-T34, registration TG-FDM, operated by Aerofumigaciones de Guatemala S.A., crashed in the Finca York area, located in the municipality of Morales, Izabal, Guatemala. The aircraft was engaged in agricultural spraying operations when it struck the terrain. The impact was severe, causing the aircraft to fragment completely. The pilot sustained multiple fractures due to the forces of the impact and died at the scene.

The investigation

The investigation conducted by the DGAC/UIA established that the aircraft was in an airworthy condition, with all maintenance records up to date and no mechanical discrepancies reported prior to the flight. Meteorological reports from the nearby Puerto Barrios station indicated calm winds and temperatures of 22°C, but local observers reported the presence of thick fog over the impact site. The investigation also confirmed that the pilot had no evidence of drug or alcohol use, and the aircraft's flight controls and systems were functioning correctly before the accident.

Findings

  • The pilot was operating the aircraft at a low altitude during a spraying mission.
  • The aircraft encountered dense fog banks that significantly reduced both lateral and frontal visibility.
  • The pilot failed to adhere to safe operating procedures regarding adverse weather conditions.
  • The loss of situational awareness, caused by the sudden lack of visibility, led to the controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The probable cause of the accident was a low-level flight conducted in adverse meteorological conditions, where dense fog caused a loss of visibility and subsequent loss of situational awareness.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-05-09 aircraft accident near Finca York, municipio de Morales, departamento de Izabal,, GT?

A Thrush S2R-T34 agricultural aircraft crashed in the Izabal department of Guatemala, resulting in the death of the pilot following an encounter with dense fog.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-05-09 involved a aircraft, registration TG-FDM, at Finca York, municipio de Morales, departamento de Izabal,, GT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The probable cause of the accident was a low-level flight conducted in adverse meteorological conditions, where dense fog caused a loss of visibility and subsequent loss of situational awareness.

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