What happened
On November 8, 2020, a Quest Aircraft Co. Kodiak 100, registration TG-SMT, was performing a humanitarian relief flight from La Aurora International Airport to Cobán, Guatemala. The aircraft was transporting food and essential supplies to assist populations affected by Storm Eta.
Shortly after departing from runway 02, the aircraft struggled to maintain altitude. Approximately 2.0 kilometers from the runway head, the aircraft lost lift and impacted trees. The impact caused the aircraft to strike electrical power lines, which triggered a short circuit and a subsequent intense fire that consumed the wreckage.
The investigation
The DGAC/UIA investigation focused on the aircraft's performance, weight and balance, and the cargo configuration. Investigators determined that the aircraft was significantly overloaded with various food items and personal goods. No weight and balance manifest was prepared by the pilot for this flight.
Technical analysis revealed that while the aircraft's maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) was 7,255 lbs, the actual takeoff weight—factoring in the high density altitude at La Aurora (approximately 7,000 feet) and the heavy cargo—reached approximately 8,053 lbs. Additionally, the cargo, consisting of bags and boxes containing solids and liquids, was not properly secured within the cabin, allowing for potential movement during the takeoff roll.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating significantly above its maximum allowable takeoff weight for the prevailing density altitude conditions.
- The cargo was not properly secured, which likely caused a shift in the center of gravity toward the rear of the aircraft, preventing a stable climb.
- The high demand for humanitarian aid following Storm Eta likely pressured the crew to increase the cargo load beyond safe limits.
- The impact with electrical lines caused a post-crash fire that led to the death of the passenger at the scene and the subsequent death of the pilot at a medical facility.
Safety action
- Flight crews must perform a formal weight and balance study prior to every departure, accounting for both cargo mass and density altitude effects.
- Crews must strictly adhere to the specific aircraft flight manual procedures regarding the securing of passengers and cargo to prevent center of gravity shifts.