What happened
On March 20, 2014, a Piper PA-23-235, registration TG-KOP, was involved in an aviation accident at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. The aircraft was being operated for private and instructional purposes. During the period of the occurrence, the aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the impact resulted in the destruction of the airframe.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the Unidad de Investigación de Accidentes (UIA) of the DGAC examined the aircraft's maintenance history, meteorological conditions, and the flight's operational context. Records indicated that the aircraft had undergone an annual inspection in October 2013, and the engines and propellers were maintained by an approved organization.
Meteorological data from the La Aurora station for the morning of the accident showed winds from the north at approximately 14 to 16 knots, visibility greater than 10 kilometers, and scattered clouds at 2,000 feet. The ambient temperature was approximately 22 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained substantial structural damage upon impact.
- The investigation identified the impact with the ground as the primary event leading to the destruction of the aircraft.
- Maintenance records for the engines and propellers were up to date as of the last annual inspection.