What happened
On September 25, 2012, a Cessna A188-B, registered as TG-VUE, was involved in an aviation accident in Guatemala. The aircraft impacted the ground at Finca Bernarda, located in the municipality of La Gomera, within the department of Escuintla.
The investigation
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Flight Safety and Accident Investigation of the DGAC Guatemala. The inquiry focused on the circumstances surrounding the impact at the Finca Bernarda site and the condition of the aircraft following the event. The investigation reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history, including engine components and the presence of specific crankshaft types, as well as the operational context of the flight.
Findings
While the specific sequence of the flight path leading to the impact was analyzed, the investigation identified the following factors:
- The aircraft sustained significant damage to its structure upon impact.
- The investigation examined the engine's technical specifications, specifically noting the importance of using vacuum arc remelted (VAR) crankshafts in certain engine models to ensure reliability and resistance to operating stresses.
- The impact occurred within the boundaries of a private farm in the Escuintla region.