What happened
On July 11, 2021, a Cessna 172L, registration TG-KEI, was conducting a flight training session near the El Caobanal farm airstrip in the municipality of Taxisco, Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The flight originated from La Aurora International Airport, with an instructor pilot and a student pilot on board. The mission involved performing touch-and-go maneuvers at the El Caobanal landing strip.
During the landing phase, the aircraft veered off the runway. Both the instructor and the student pilot were able to exit the aircraft without sustaining any injuries, and no medical hospitalization was required.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the DGAC/UIA examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the flight's operational parameters, and the physical condition of the wreckage. Investigators found that the aircraft's maintenance logs were up to date, with all required 25, 50, and 100-hour inspections properly performed. The aircraft was also found to be within its weight and balance limits, as it was not carrying any additional passengers or cargo.
Upon inspecting the wreckage, investigators identified structural damage to the engine mount and the firewall. Crucially, the examination of the landing gear components revealed a broken hydraulic line connected to the right brake pedal.
Findings
- The primary cause of the runway excursion was the fracture of the hydraulic line servicing the right brake.
- This mechanical failure resulted in a loss of braking symmetry, causing the aircraft to veer to the left during the landing roll.
- Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were favorable, with VFR conditions, calm winds, and unlimited visibility.
- There were no evident human factors or physiological impairments affecting the performance of the crew.