What happened
On May 24, 2012, a Piper Cherokee PA 28-140, registration TG-RIJ, was performing a landing at La Aurora International Airport (MGGT) in Guatemala. The aircraft was arriving on runway 20. During the landing phase, the aircraft veered off the runway, resulting in a runway excursion.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the DGAC/UIA examined the aircraft's maintenance history, meteorological conditions, and the sequence of the landing. Maintenance records indicated that the aircraft had undergone a 100-hour/annual inspection in March 201 and was considered airworthy at the time of the accident. Meteorological data from the airport's weather station showed that between 14:00 and 17:00 local time, the weather featured visibility greater than 10 kilometers and winds from the south at approximately 8 to 12 knots. The sky contained scattered clouds and cumulonimbus activity at higher altitudes, but surface conditions were generally stable.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a runway excursion during the landing roll.
- Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident included south winds and visibility exceeding 10 kilometers.
- The aircraft's maintenance logs showed recent inspections and completed tasks, including bushing work on the right flap and replacement of main landing gear bearings.