What happened
On August 23, 2013, a Trush Commander 2SR, registration TG-FRU, was involved in an accident at the El Caramelo landing strip, located in the Retalhuleu department of Guatemala. The aircraft was operating in an area near Coatepeque. During the flight, the aircraft sustained substantial structural damage. The pilot was uninjured in the event.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the DGAC/UIA, examined the aircraft's maintenance history, meteorological conditions, and the pilot's medical status. Records indicated that the aircraft's Walter M601-E engine had recently undergone maintenance, including the replacement of a Fuel Control Unit in July 2013 due to a loss of power. The investigation also reviewed weather reports from the Tecun Uman station, which showed visibility greater than 10 kilometers and light winds from the south at the time of the occurrence. A medical examination of the pilot performed at the DGAC clinic confirmed the pilot was completely unharmed and showed no signs of trauma.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained substantial structural damage.
- Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were characterized by good visibility and light winds.
- The pilot was physically unaffected by the impact.