What happened
On August 11, 2012, an Eurocopter AS 350B helicopter, registration TG-RPL, was involved in an accident in the municipality of Palín, within the department of Escuintla, Guatemala. The aircraft impacted the terrain near the CA-9 highway in the area known as the Palín Canyon.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the Unidad de Investigación de Accidentes (UIA) of the DGAC examined the circumstances surrounding the flight and the environmental conditions at the time of the impact. Meteorological data from the Puerto San José and La Aurora stations were analyzed to reconstruct the weather conditions in the vicinity of the canyon. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's technical specifications and maintenance records.
At the time of the accident, meteorological reports indicated varying conditions. While the Puerto San José station reported relatively stable conditions with scattered clouds, the La Aurora station recorded the presence of cumulonimbus clouds and precipitation in the region. The investigation focused on the interaction between the flight path and these atmospheric conditions near the canyon.
Findings
- The aircraft, an Eurocopter AS 350B, sustained significant damage upon impact.
- Meteorological observations near the impact site indicated the presence of convective activity, including cumulonimbus clouds and localized precipitation.
- The accident occurred during a period of active weather in the region, which included significant cloud development and potential turbulence associated with the canyon's topography.