What happened
On September 27, 2011, a Cessna 210 M, registration TG-WIS, was involved in an aircraft accident at Finca "El Tesoro" in the municipality of Santa Bárbara, Department of Escuintla, Guatemala. The aircraft was operating in the region during a period of extreme weather conditions.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the DGAC/UIA examined the aircraft's maintenance history, engine performance, and local meteorological conditions. Records indicated that the aircraft's Continental engine had undergone recent inspections and maintenance, including the installation of new spark plugs. The investigation also reviewed fuel records from La Aurora International Airport, confirming the aircraft had been fueled prior to the occurrence.
Meteorological data from the Mazatenango station provided critical context for the flight environment. Although no dedicated aeronautical station was active in the immediate vicinity, local climatological reports indicated that the area had experienced 200.0 mm of rainfall within the 24 hours leading up to the morning of the accident. This volume of precipitation was noted as being significantly higher than the average for the month of September.
Findings
- The region was experiencing extremely heavy rainfall, with 200 mm recorded in the 24 hours preceding the accident.
- High levels of cloud cover were present due to the intense precipitation and low temperatures recorded at 07:00 hours.
- The aircraft was a 1977 model with a documented maintenance history for its engine and propeller components.