What happened
On the night of 18 May 2011, a Saab 340 A, registration LV-CEJ, was operating a multi-leg flight from Rosario to Comodoro Rivadavia, with several intermediate stops. After departing Neuquén Airport at 23:05 UTC, the crew began a climb to 17,800 feet. During the flight, the crew identified icing conditions and decided to descend to 14,000 feet to mitigate the issue.
However, the meteorological conditions worsened significantly during the descent. As the aircraft leveled off at the lower altitude, it encountered severe icing. Within approximately two minutes of steady flight, the aircraft experienced a total loss of lift, leading to a loss of control. The aircraft entered an abnormal flight attitude and plunged into the ground near Caltrauna, between Los Menascos and Prahuaniyeu. The impact and subsequent fire resulted in 22 fatalities, including all 3 crew members and 19 passengers.
The investigation
The Argentine Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Board (JIAAC) conducted a technical inquiry into the crash. The investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the crew's training records, and the meteorological conditions present at the time of the accident. Investigators analyzed flight recorder data and reviewed the performance of the aircraft's ice protection systems, including the de-icing boots and engine anti-ice systems. The probe also looked into the operational procedures regarding flight planning and the management of icing risks by the operator.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the encounter with severe icing conditions which led to a complete loss of aerodynamic lift.
- The aircraft's flight control and aerodynamic performance were compromised by the rapid accumulation of ice.
- The crew attempted to mitigate the icing by descending, but the severity of the weather increased at the lower flight level.
- There were identified needs for improved simulator training regarding upset recovery and the recognition of aerodynamic phenomena such as aeroelastic trepidation during icing.