Robinson R44 Raven II crash near Lake Atitlán, Panajachel, Sololá, Guatemala

The R44 had flown from La Aurora International Airport to the Hotel Atitlán heliport at Panajachel to collect two passengers. Taking off from the hotel heliport at 10:15 local time it crashed onto the lake shore and came to rest partly submerged. The pilot and both passengers were assisted by people nearby. The investigation found the main cause was that, taking off with a 10-knot tailwind from the northeast, the aircraft lost control and lift as it moved out over the lake and left ground effect, indicating improper operating procedure. Internal examination of the engine found no evidence of failure.