What happened
On March 5, 2008, at approximately 1130 UTC, a Mooney M20J, registration LV-MPT, was in cruise flight when it experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field located near Buenos Aires, Argentina. The pilot and a passenger were not injured, though the aircraft sustained minor damage.
The investigation
An examination of the engine following the accident revealed a fractured crankshaft.