What happened
On July 4, 2017, a Cessna 182 S Skyscane, registration TG-PIM, was conducting a private flight from La Aurora International Airport to the Sayaxché Aerodrome in the Petén department of Guatemala. The flight was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in favorable meteorological conditions, characterized by unlimited visibility and calm winds.
Upon attempting to land at the Sayaxché Aerodrome, the aircraft encountered a runway surface composed of clay that was saturated and slippery. During the landing sequence, the aircraft overran the runway, resulting in significant damage to the airframe, including impact damage to the left wing tip, the nose gear, and the propeller blades. Despite the impact, the pilot and two passengers survived the event without injuries, and no hospitalization was required.
The investigation
The DGAC/UIA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's qualifications, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy, with all maintenance services up to date according to the required 25, 50, and 100-hour intervals. The pilot, an experienced flight instructor, was found to be in good physical and psychological condition, with no evidence of human factors contributing to the accident.
Investigators also reviewed the runway conditions at the Sayaxché Aerodrome. While the aircraft was within its weight and balance limits, the investigation focused on the state of the landing surface. The physical evidence at the site, including the aircraft's position and the state of the mud, indicated that the runway surface was heavily affected by recent moisture.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the landing of the aircraft on a slippery and waterlogged clay runway surface.
- The aircraft sustained substantial structural damage, specifically to the propeller, nose gear, and wing tip.
- The pilot and two passengers were uninjured.
- Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were otherwise favorable for VFR operations.