What happened
On October 27, 2017, an Air Tractor S2R-T34, registration TG-GBV, was performing agricultural spraying operations at the El Carmelo landing strip, located on the Mojarras farm in the municipality of Caballo Blanco, Retalhulele, Guatemala. The aircraft, operated by Fumigaciones Técnicas, S.A. (FUMITESA), was attempting to land on the runway when it experienced an excursion.
During the landing phase, the aircraft's speed exceeded the limits established in the manufacturer's flight manual. This high-speed approach caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft, leading it to veer off the left side of the runway. The aircraft subsequently collided with a light pole base before impacting the surrounding banana plantations. The impact caused severe damage to the right wing tip, the left main landing gear, the spraying equipment, and one propeller blade.
The investigation
The DGAC/UIA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's credentials, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid and that all maintenance had been performed according to the manufacturer's program. The pilot, a highly experienced commercial pilot with over 11,000 flight hours, was found to be in good physical and psychological condition, with no medical limitations.
Meteorological data from the nearby Retalhuleu station indicated favorable flying conditions, with calm winds, low cloud cover, and a temperature of 25°C. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's systems and flight controls were functioning normally prior to the impact.