What happened
On May 4, 2025, at approximately 14:30 local time, an Aeroprakt A22LS was performing a recreational flight departing from the Lipangui Aerodrome (SCKL) in Lampa, Chile. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced an unexpected engine failure. This loss of power forced the pilot to execute an emergency landing approximately 0.2 nautical miles south of the airfield. The aircraft came to rest on private terrain, roughly 236 meters southwest of the runway 3 and 4 threshold.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the wreckage and the site of the occurrence to determine the sequence of events. The aircraft was found resting on its landing gear, which had sustained heavy damage; specifically, the nose gear was fractured and the main gear showed significant deformation. The investigation included a visual inspection of the airframe, propeller, and engine compartment, as well as the collection of fuel samples and interviews with the pilot, the occupant, and witnesses.
Physical evidence at the scene revealed that the propeller blades were damaged, the engine cowling and engine mount were deformed, and the windshield had fractured and detached from its frame. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's aerodynamic profiles sustained damage from contact with local vegetation. While the instrument panel showed deformations and several switches were severed, the safety harnesses for both occupants were found to be functional and properly secured.
Findings
- The primary cause of the emergency landing was an engine failure during the takeoff phase.
- The aircraft sustained substantial structural damage, including a fractured nose gear and damaged propeller blades.
- The landing occurred in an area with dense shrubbery, leading to impact damage on the aircraft's aerodynamic surfaces.
- Both occupants of the aircraft remained uninjured following the impact.
- Meteorological conditions at the time of the event were stable, with clear skies and light winds.