Passengers 22 Injuries (non-fatal) 0 Date 27 April 1977 Total fatalities 28 (all) | Crew 6 Survivors 0 Operator Aviateca Location Guatemala | |
Summary mechanical failure; maintenance error Site Near Guatemala City, Guatemala Similar 1977 Gary Powers helicopter, 1977 Benghazi Libyan Ar, Linjeflyg Flight 618, United Airlines Flight 2860, SA de Transport Aérien Fli | ||
The 1977 Aviateca Convair 240 airplane crash was a scheduled Aviateca passenger flight that crashed near Guatemala City, Guatemala on April 27, 1977, killing all 28 on board.
Contents
Final moments
The aircraft, a Convair 240, took off from La Aurora International Airport (GUA/MGGT) in Guatemala City, as scheduled. During the initial climb to cruise altitude the number one engine suffered a failure due to oil exhaustion. The crew was unable to feather the propeller and was forced to attempt an emergency landing in rough terrain.The plane was destroyed in the attempt, killing all 22 passengers and six crew on board.
Investigation
The Government of Guatemala initiated a full investigation. The results of this investigation are as follows:
The aircraft had undergone maintenance shortly before the flight. In order to perform this maintenance, it was necessary to disconnect a high-pressure oil hose from the engine cylinders. The investigation found that it had not been correctly reattached, thus starving the engine of oil.