What happened
On April 21, 2012, a Piper PA-23-250, registration TG-VCH, was involved in an accident within the La Aurora estate, located in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The aircraft was operating in an area experiencing significant meteorological instability. According to weather records from the La Aurora International Airport station, the period surrounding the accident was characterized by the development of intense cumulonimbus clouds, thunderstorms, and heavy precipitation. Specifically, by approximately 12:35 local time, the region was experiencing convective activity including lightning and rain, which persisted into the early afternoon.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the DGAC/UIA examined the aircraft's flight path, the meteorological conditions at the time of the occurrence, and the physical state of the wreckage. Investigators reviewed official meteorological data from INSIVUMEH, which documented the presence of towering cumulus (TCU) and cumulonimbus (CB) clouds, as well as lightning and precipitation in the sectors of the South, Southwest, and Southeast of the airport station. The investigation also reviewed the position of the engine control levers to assess the power settings at the time of impact.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in an environment containing active thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy precipitation.
- Meteorological observations confirmed the presence of intense convective clouds (TCU) and cumulonimbus clouds in the immediate vicinity of the accident site.
- The weather conditions included reduced visibility due to haze and heavy rain during the window of the accident.