During the program Direct Impactof Guatevisionexperts analyzed the plane accident that occurred on Sunday, May 3 in Santa Cruz Barillas, Huehuetenangowhere a small plane license plate TG JEBguy Cessna Skylanerushed to the ground and left at least three people died – two at the scene and one upon entering the hospital – and one injuredaccording to reports from Volunteer Firefighters.
The emergency was reported by authorities communities, who alerted the National Civil Police and the lifeguards. Preliminarily, it was indicated that the aircraft was carrying four adults and one minorwhile the survivor would be the pilot. In addition, another person would have been transported in a private vehicle, although there is no flight record that confirms how many passengers were on board.
Authorities are investigating whether the aircraft, registered for private use, was carrying passengers for about Q300 per person without commercial authorization. The General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) analyzes possible non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Lawwhich requires certifications, current licenses and operational controls for commercial flights.
Irregular practices under investigation
The expert lawyer in security and development, Luis Villegasstated that this type of unauthorized operations is known in the sector.
“The majority of these aircraft provide services without having any authorization,” he said, referring to air transport practices outside the regulation.
Villegas added that the case shows the need for preventive actions. “They have to take fundamental measures so that this does not continue to be repeated,” he indicated.
Responsibility and institutional controls
The internationalist Herman Galino considered that the authorities should assume their supervisory role.
“Someone in the DGAC has to know that this is happening,” he stated, pointing out possible responsibilities in the lack of control.
For his part, the lawyer and doctor who is an expert in criminology Jorge Granados explained that the aircraft must meet requirements such as air navigation certificate, passenger registration, cargo control and current licenses. “There is a lot of piracy also within civil aviation,” he indicated.
Air safety and prevention
The psychologist and communicator Claudia Massi He stressed that controls must be implemented before tragedies occur.
“We are attacking the problem, but not the root,” he said, referring to the need for constant supervision.
The experts agreed that all aircraft, regardless their capacity, must comply with national and international safety standards, while investigations continue to determine the causes of the accident and possible sanctions in accordance with articles 116 and 119 of the Civil Aviation Law.
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