Pilot distraction from bird activity leads to landing accident in Río Dulce

Casualties unknown • PISTA DEL AEROCLUB DE GUATEMALA EN RIO DULCE,, GT

A Piper aircraft experienced an accident during landing at the Guatemala Aeroclub runway due to the pilot losing situational awareness while attempting to avoid birds.

What happened

On March 13, 2025, a Piper aircraft, registration TG-TYA, was performing a visual flight rules (VFR) operation toward the Guatemala Aeroclub runway in Río Dulce, Livingston, Guatemala. The flight originated from La Aurora International Airport. During the approach phase to runway 30, the pilot encountered flocks of birds in the flight path.

While attempting to monitor and avoid the birds, the pilot's attention was diverted from the aircraft's instruments and flight path. This distraction led to a loss of situational awareness during the landing phase, resulting in an impact on the runway. The pilot remained uninjured as the aircraft's speed had decreased significantly at the moment of impact, and the safety harnesses functioned as intended.

The investigation

The DGAC/UIA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's medical certification, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the event. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy, with all maintenance logs up to date and compliant with approved procedures. Meteorological conditions were favorable for VFR flight, with visibility exceeding 10 km and clear skies.

The investigation focused on the pilot's actions during the approach. It was established that the pilot's physical and psychological state were acceptable, and there were no mechanical failures reported prior to the accident. The investigation centered on the sequence of head movements required to track the birds and the subsequent impact on flight monitoring.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the loss of situational awareness caused by the pilot's distraction while attempting to avoid birds.
  • The pilot's attention was diverted by the need to constantly move their gaze between the bird flocks and the instrument panel.
  • The presence of bird flocks in the approach path acted as a contributing factor (bird strike hazard/wildlife hazard).
  • The aircraft was in a proper state of maintenance and airworthiness at the time of the occurrence.

Probable cause

The pilot experienced a loss of situational awareness during the approach phase because their attention was diverted by the need to monitor and avoid flocks of birds in the flight path.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2025-03-13 aircraft accident near PISTA DEL AEROCLUB DE GUATEMALA EN RIO DULCE,, GT?

A Piper aircraft experienced an accident during landing at the Guatemala Aeroclub runway due to the pilot losing situational awareness while attempting to avoid birds.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2025-03-13 involved a aircraft, registration TG-TYA, at PISTA DEL AEROCLUB DE GUATEMALA EN RIO DULCE,, GT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot experienced a loss of situational awareness during the approach phase because their attention was diverted by the need to monitor and avoid flocks of birds in the flight path.

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