Ground accident of a Saab 340A in Mendoza

Date & Time: Jan 2, 2013 at 1011 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
LV-BMD
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Mendoza - Neuquén
MSN:
123
YOM:
1988
Flight number:
OLS5420
Country:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
30
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
7000
Captain / Total hours on type:
600.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
1818
Copilot / Total hours on type:
110
Aircraft flight hours:
47798
Circumstances:
While taxiing to runway 18 for a departure to Neuquén, the twin engine aircraft went out of control, veered off taxiway to the left and rolled onto a soft ground four about 40 metres before coming to rest. The nose gear sank in soft ground, causing both propeller blades to struck the ground and to be partially torn off. The fuselage was hit by debris. All 33 occupants evacuated safely and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
The loss of control during taxiing was the consequence of the combination of the following factors:
- The electric pump which controls fluid pressure in the hydraulic system was not operational, generating a deficit of fluid pressure in the hydraulic system.
- The low fluid pressure warning in the hydraulic system was not recognized by the crew.
- The crew could not control the path of the aircraft due to the unavailability of nose wheel steering.
- The persistence of an informal practice among the crews of the operator on the operation of the hydraulic system, contrary to the concept of operation of the hydraulic system established by the manufacturer.
- The lack of detection of the informal practice on the operation of the hydraulic system by the operator's safety monitoring mechanisms.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Sabreliner 75A at El Palomar AFB

Date & Time: Jul 4, 2012 at 1900 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
AE-175
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
380-13
YOM:
1974
Country:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The aircraft was returning to El Palomar AFB, near Buenos Aires, carrying three crew members and six passengers, among them General Luis Pozzi, Chief of the Argentinian Army. Upon landing, the left main gear collapsed. The aircraft slid on runway then veered to the right before coming to rest in a grassy area. All 9 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. General Pozzi was returning to El Palomar Air Base following a review of the troops in the Pampa Province.

Crash of a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) in Las Varillas: 2 killed

Date & Time: Dec 20, 2011 at 2300 LT
Operator:
Registration:
LV-WES
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Rosario – Córdoba
MSN:
61-0480-127
YOM:
1978
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
200
Captain / Total hours on type:
15.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
8000
Copilot / Total hours on type:
1000
Aircraft flight hours:
4594
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft departed Rosario-Islas Malvinas Airport at 2215LT on a return trip to Córdoba, carrying two pilots. Bound to the northwest at an altitude of 8,000 feet, the crew was cleared to descend to 6,000 feet few minutes after takeoff. At 2242LT, the crew reported his position over Ubrel. Twenty minutes later, at 2300LT, while cruising in poor weather conditions, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in an open field located 6 km from Las Varillas. The wreckage was found the following morning. The aircraft was totally destroyed and both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Loss of control while in cruising altitude after the aircraft was flying in the vicinity of a multicell with convective activity, due to the combination of the following factors:
• Incorrect appreciation of the evolution of the meteorological conditions en route,
• Inadequate flight planning,
• Self-induced complacency,
• Inadequate risk assessment for meteorological hazards.
Final Report:

Crash of a Saab 340A near Prahuaniyeu: 22 killed

Date & Time: May 18, 2011 at 2050 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
LV-CEJ
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Rosario – Córdoba – Mendoza – Neuquén – Comodoro Rivadavia
MSN:
25
YOM:
1985
Flight number:
OSL5428
Country:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
19
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
22
Captain / Total flying hours:
6133
Captain / Total hours on type:
2187.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
1342
Copilot / Total hours on type:
288
Aircraft flight hours:
41422
Aircraft flight cycles:
44477
Circumstances:
On 18 May 2011, the pilot in command (PIC) and the crew - composed of the copilot (COP) and cabin crew members (CCM) - initiated the flight OSL5428 from Rosario International Airport (ROS) in the province of Santa Fe at 20:35, the final destination being the Comodoro Rivadavia International Airport (CRD), in the province of Chubut. The flight had scheduled intermediate stopovers at Córdoba International Airport (COR), Mendoza (MDZ), and Neuquén (NQN), according to the company's plans. The company designated aircraft Saab 340A, with registration number LV-CEJ, for the flight. After having made the intermediate stopovers in Córdoba (COR) and Mendoza (MDZ), the pilot landed the aircraft at the airport in Neuquén at 22:20. After refuelling and carrying out the planned dispatch, the crew and 19 passengers (18 adults and one minor) on board, prepared to make the last leg of the flight OSL5428, from Neuquén Airport (NQN) to the final destination: Comodoro Rivadavia International Airport (CRD). The flight took off at 23:05. After the take-off, the aircraft started to climb AWY T 105, to reach FL190, in accordance with the flight plan. After flying for 24 minutes, the pilot levelled the aircraft at 17,800 feet, and remained at this level for approximately 9 minutes. Due to the fact that the meteorological conditions at this level caused icing, the technical crew descended to FL (flight level) 140. Shifting to FL140 took five minutes. During this stage of the flight the icing conditions steadily worsened. By the time the aircraft had reached FL140, the icing conditions were severe. The aircraft flew for approximately two minutes with a straight and level flight attitude, increasing the accumulation of ice. Then the aircraft completely lost lift, which resulted in a loss of control, and the subsequent entry into abnormal flight attitude. The aircraft plunged towards the earth and impacted the ground, which resulted in a fire. Everyone on board perished and the aircraft was destroyed. The accident happened at night under IMC conditions.
Probable cause:
During a commercial, domestic passenger flight, while cruising, the crew lost control of the aircraft, which uncontrollably impacted the ground due to severe ice formation caused by the following factors:
- Entering an area with icing conditions without adequately monitoring the warning signals from the external environment (temperature, cloudiness, precipitation and ice accumulation) or the internal (speed, angle of attack), which allowed for prolonged operations in icing conditions to take place.
- Receiving a forecast for slight icing - given that the aircraft encountered sever icing conditions - which led to a lack of understanding regarding the specific meteorological danger.
- Inadequately evaluating the risks, which led to mitigating measures such as adequate briefing (distribution of tasks in the cockpit, review of the de-icing systems, limitations, use of power, use of autopilot, diversion strategy etc.) not being adopted.
- Levels of stress increasing, due to operations not having the expected effects, which led the crew to lose focus on other issues.
- Icing conditions that surpassed the aircraft's ice protection systems, which were certified for the aircraft (FAR 25 Appendix C).
- Inadequate use of speed, by maintaining the speed close to stall speed during flight in icing conditions.
- Inadequate use of the autopilot, by not selecting the IAS mode when flying in icing conditions.
- Partially carrying out the procedures established in the Flight Manual and the Operations Manual, when entering into areas with severe icing conditions.
- Realizing late that the aircraft had started to stall, because the buffeting that foretells a stall was confused with the vibrations that signify ice contamination on the propellers.
- Activation of the Stick Shaker and Stall Warning at a lower speed than expected in icing conditions.
- Using a stall recovery technique which prioritized the reduction of the angle of attack at the expense of altitude loss, and which was inappropriate for the flight conditions.
- The aileron flight controls reacting in an unusual manner when the aircraft lost control, probably due to the accumulation of ice in the surfaces of these, which made it impossible for the aircraft to recover. The increasingly stressful situation of the crew, which affected its operational decision-making.
Final Report:

Crash of a Grumman S-2T Tracker in Bahía Blanca

Date & Time: Apr 20, 2011
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
0701/2-AS-22
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Bahía Blanca - Bahía Blanca
MSN:
298
YOM:
1957
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a training flight on this Tracker delivered to the Armada Argentina in 1978. While flying in the vicinity of the Bahía Blanca-Comandante Espora Airport, the crew encountered unknown technical problems and was forced to attempt an emergency landing in an open field. While both pilots escaped with minor injuries, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of a PZL-Mielec AN-2T in Santa Isabel

Date & Time: Oct 24, 2010 at 1145 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
CX-CAP
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Santa Isabel - Santa Isabel
MSN:
1G142-31
YOM:
1973
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
9
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
1200
Captain / Total hours on type:
100.00
Aircraft flight hours:
4339
Circumstances:
The single engine aircraft was engaged in a local skydiving mission in Santa Isabel, carrying nine skydivers and one pilot. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing to a height of about 150 metres, the engine lost power. The pilot decided to return immediately. Upon landing, the aircraft collided with bushes and came to rest, bursting into flames. All 10 occupants escaped unhurt while the aircraft was totally destroyed by fire.
Probable cause:
The exact cause of the accident could not be determined.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-42-1000 Cheyenne 400LS in Mercedes

Date & Time: Aug 13, 2010 at 1530 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
LQ-BLU
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Mercedes - La Plata
MSN:
42-5527037
YOM:
1987
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
4294
Captain / Total hours on type:
390.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
2827
Copilot / Total hours on type:
14
Aircraft flight hours:
1526
Circumstances:
During the takeoff roll on runway 19 at Mercedes Airport, the twin engine aircraft deviated to the right then to the left. Control was lost and the aircraft veered off runway to the left, lost its undercarriage and came to rest in bushed with its left wing partially torn off. All four occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. Both passengers were Ricardo Casal, Minister of Justice and Security, and Maria del Carmen Falbo, Attorney.
Probable cause:
Loss of control during takeoff following the crew's decision to perform the operation outside of the procedures established in the flight manual. The overconfidence of the crew as well as the operation of both engines at low regime were considered as contributing factors.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31T-500 Cheyenne I in Buenos Aires: 2 killed

Date & Time: Dec 18, 2008 at 0619 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
LV-MYX
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Buenos Aires – Victoria
MSN:
31-7904045
YOM:
1979
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
13109
Captain / Total hours on type:
31.00
Circumstances:
Shortly after a night takeoff from runway 05 at Buenos Aires-San Fernando Airport, the pilot initiated a left turn at low altitude when the twin engine aircraft collided with two poles and two parked trucks then crashed on the ground, bursting into flames. The aircraft was totally destroyed and both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
A loss of power on the left engine shortly after takeoff for undetermined reasons.
The following contributing factors were identified:
- A probable inadequate compliance with emergency procedures,
- Probable little and discontinuous flight activity on the aircraft type during the year 2008,
- Low turn.
Final Report:

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter 200 in Comodoro Rivadavia

Date & Time: Apr 4, 2008
Operator:
Registration:
T-84
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
214
YOM:
1969
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Comodoro Rivadavia Airport, while climbing, the crew encountered an unexpected situation and was forced to attempt an emergency landing. The aircraft crash landed in a desert area located about 10 km from the airport. While all six occupants escaped uninjured, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of a Swearingen SA227AC Metro III in Buenos Aires

Date & Time: Dec 15, 2006 at 1820 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
LV-WRA
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Buenos Aires - Buenos Aires
MSN:
AC-429
YOM:
1981
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2666
Captain / Total hours on type:
1556.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
1465
Copilot / Total hours on type:
1232
Aircraft flight hours:
34587
Circumstances:
The crew was performing a positioning flight from Buenos Aires-Ezeiza-Ministro Pistarini Airport to Buenos Aires-Aeroparque-Jorge Newbury Airport. Before departure, the captain switched off the Stall Alarm System for unknown reasons. Shortly after takeoff from runway 17, the climb gradient was small and landing gear were retracted at a very low altitude. The left wing stalled and struck the runway surface. Out of control, the aircraft impacted ground, slid for few dozen metres, overran the runway and came to rest in a field. Both pilots were uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Loss of control shortly after rotation due to the premature retraction of the landing gear and a takeoff completed with a low climb gradient in the second segment.
Final Report: