What happened
On July 20, 2022, an Air Tractor AT-502B, registration TG-OLM, was performing agricultural spraying operations in the department of Escuintla, Guatemala. The aircraft departed from the Santa Rosa farm with the intention of conducting aerial application at the Poza Verde plantation. During the mission, the aircraft struck the terrain near Finca Poza Verde in the municipality of Tiquisate. The impact was severe, resulting in the total destruction of the aircraft, including the separation of the engine and landing gear, and the detachment of a wing. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, specifically a lung perforation and closed chest trauma, and passed away at a medical center after being evacuated from the wreckage by plantation personnel.
The investigation
The DGAC/UIA investigation focused on the flight conditions and the aircraft's mechanical state. Investigators found that the aircraft's maintenance records were up to date and all systems were functioning normally prior to the impact. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was not equipped with an ELT for immediate localization. Meteorological analysis revealed that the area was experiencing unfavorable conditions for Visual Flight Rules (VFR), specifically heavy fog and mist covering the terrain.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's loss of situational awareness, as the thick fog prevented the accurate assessment of terrain altitude.
- Adverse meteorological conditions, characterized by low-visibility mist and fog, acted as a contributing factor.
- The aircraft's left wing made initial contact with the ground before the nose of the aircraft struck the terrain.