What happened
On March 27, 2016, a Cessna 172 N, registration TG-KAM, was performing a flight from Finca La Flora in Tiquisate, Escuintla, toward La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. During the flight, the aircraft impacted the slopes of Volcán de Fuego near the municipality of Palín. The aircraft struck trees before hitting the terrain at an estimated speed of 90 to 100 knots. The impact was so severe that the cockpit was completely crushed, leaving no survivable space. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained fatal injuries due to severe generalized bodily trauma.
The investigation
The DGAC/UIA investigation established that the aircraft was in a cruise configuration and the engine was producing power at the time of impact. Maintenance records indicated that the aircraft was being maintained according to manufacturer standards and civil aviation regulations. However, the investigation revealed that the pilot was operating without a valid private pilot license, as their student pilot endorsement had been expired for six months. Furthermore, the investigation found that administrative security filters for flight plan acceptance had been bypassed, allowing the student pilot to operate the aircraft.
Findings
- The pilot lacked sufficient experience and held an expired student pilot endorsement.
- The decision to continue the flight in weather conditions unsuitable for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) was a primary factor.
- The pilot demonstrated a lack of situational awareness regarding the aircraft's position relative to the local terrain.
- While the aircraft was equipped for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), the pilot lacked the necessary ratings and experience to fly in such conditions.
- Meteorological conditions were not conducive to VFR operations at the time of the accident.