What happened
On September 4, 2011, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration TG-OOI, was conducting a flight from La Aurora Airport toward Pasaco, Jutiapa. The flight was operated by Aeroservicios Centroamericanos, S.A. After departing from the Aerocentro ramp, the pilot communicated with Guatemala Radio, stating the intent to fly at 500 feet with one occupant on board and three units of fuel remaining. During the flight, the aircraft crashed in the municipality of Comapa, within the department of Jutiapá, Guatemala.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the DGAC/UIA examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the pilot's credentials, and the flight communications. Records indicated that the engine had recently undergone a 100-hour inspection and annual maintenance, with the last recorded service on August 4, 2011. The investigation also reviewed the radio transcripts between the pilot and air traffic controllers at Aurora Tower and Guatemala Radio to establish the sequence of events leading to the impact. The aircraft sustained significant structural damage during the accident.
Findings
- The aircraft was a Robinson R44 with a total time of 661.1 hours.
- There were no fatalities reported in the accident.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its structure.
- The pilot was operating the aircraft under visual flight conditions with the intention of traveling to Jutiapa.
- The investigation found no evidence of mechanical failure in the engine components examined, as recent compression tests had been documented as within limits.