Guatemala

On December 14, 1995, about 0014 central standard time N503U, an Aero Commander 1121, operated by American Air Network crashed about 10 miles North of Guatemala City, Guatemala, while on a 14 CFR Part 135 on-demand, international, cargo flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and an IFR flight plan was filed. The airplane was destroyed and the pilot and co-pilot received fatal injuries. The flight had originated from Miami, Florida about 2200 the previous day. The crew executed three instrument approaches to the Guatemala City Airport, and reported to controllers on duty that they were low on fuel and could not proceed to their alternate airport.

The aircraft departed Miami-Intl Airport on a cargo flight to Lima with an intermediate stop in Guatemala City, carrying three crew members and various goods on behalf of Lineas Aéreas Mayas. After touchdown on runway 19 at Guatemala City-La Aurora Airport, spoilers were deployed as well as reverse thrust on engine n°2 and 3. On a wet runway surface, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance, overran, went through a fence and down an embankment before crashing onto several houses. All three crew members were injured as well as seven people on the ground. Six other people on the ground were killed.

The twin engine aircraft departed Flores Airport on a charter flight to Guatemala City, carrying 12 passengers and one pilot, among them three American citizens. The pilot started the descent to Guatemala City-La Aurora in good weather conditions despite some mountains were shrouded in clouds. On approach, the aircraft struck a mountain located near Palencia, about 20 km northeast of La Aurora Airport. The aircraft was destroyed and all 13 occupants were killed.

The approach to Guatemala City-La Aurora Airport was completed in poor weather conditions with rain falls, a visibility of three miles below a 2,000 feet cloud ceiling. The crew was cleared to land on runway 19 with a tailwind component as the wind was from 030° at 8 knots. The aircraft landed 1,070 metres past the runway threshold (runway 19 is 2,763 metres long) at a speed that was 17 knots above Vref. The crew started the braking procedure and thrust reversers were deployed. At a distance of 300 metres from the runway end, the captain decided to veer off runway to the left. At a speed of 90 knots, the aircraft went through a perimeter fence, down an embankment and eventually came to rest into several houses. All 236 occupants evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. Three people on the ground were slightly injured.

The aircraft was engaged in an illegal contraband flight, carrying four passengers, two pilots and a load of 3 tons of cocaine. While approaching Quirigua, the aircraft struck the ground and crashed few hundred metres from the landing strip, bursting into flames. All six occupants were killed. It was reported by the Guatemalan Authorities that the crew failed to file any flight plan and entered the Guatemalan airspace without permission. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was falsely registered N500 as its real registration was HK-750.

The aircraft was completing a cargo flight from San Salvador to Miami with an intermediate stop in Guatemala City, carrying a load of clothes and vegetables. After takeoff from Guatemala City-La Aurora Airport, while climbing, the crew declared an emergency after one of the engine failed. The pilot-in-command initiated a left turn when control was lost and the airplane crashed in a residential area located about 8 km southeast of the airport. The aircraft and several houses were destroyed. All three crew members as well as 24 people on the ground were killed and few others were seriously injured.

The aircraft was stolen at Miami-Opa Locka Airport last December 1989 and used for illegal flights. It crashed in unknown circumstances while trying to land in a field located in Santo Domingo Suchitepéquez, Guatemala. Crew fate unknown.

On approach to Guatemala City-La Aurora Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions and limited visibility. It is believed he also encountered engine problems when the aircraft struck tree tops and crashed few km short of runway. A crew member was rescued while two other occupants were killed. The flight was operated on behalf of DHL Airways.

The twin engine airplane was engaged in a paratroopers/skydiving mission in the region of Flores. After all skydivers bailed out, the aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances. All three crew members were killed.

Shortly after takeoff from Flores-Santa Elena Airport, while climbing, the airplane went out of control and crashed on the shore of lake Petén Itza. All 12 occupants were killed.