What happened
On June 28, 2013, a Cessna 210N, registration XB-MSN, was operating a flight from Tapachula, Mexico, with a destination of Cocotla, Puebla, Mexico. The flight departed from Tapachula International Airport under calm wind conditions. After departing the airfield and climbing to 3,000 feet, the pilot reported being 25 miles from the station and was instructed to contact Oaxaca Center.
Shortly after the departure, the aircraft crashed in the community of Nuevo Porvenir, located in the municipality of Ixchiguán, within the department of San Marcos, Guatemala. The impact occurred in a mountainous region characterized by varying terrain relief.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the Guatemalan DGAC/UIA established that there was no radio contact between the aircraft and the Retalhuleu station, which is the nearest air traffic control facility to the accident site. Consequently, no radar tracking or communication records were available for the period following the aircraft's departure from Tapachula. The investigation examined the aircraft's performance specifications, noting it was a turbocharged model equipped with a Teledely Continental engine. The investigation also reviewed meteorological data from the Tecun Uman station, which indicated calm winds and good visibility in the area during the morning of the accident.
Findings
- The aircraft crashed in an area with significant terrain relief.
- No communication or radar contact was established with the nearest local air traffic control facility prior to the impact.