On September 26, 2019, a Cessna 402 (registration ZP-BAE) operated by Aerotax was involved in an aviation accident near Coronel Oviedo, Paraguay in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced technical malfunctions during flight, necessitating an emergency descent and subsequent belly landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine aircraft performing an emergency descent following technical issues resulted in a belly landing in a prairie, though all occupants escaped without injury.
What happened
While operating a flight from Ciudad del Este to Asunción, the pilot of a twin-engine airplane experienced mechanical difficulties during the flight. In response to these technical issues, the pilot initiated a descent to a lower altitude to facilitate an emergency landing.
During the attempt to land, the aircraft performed a belly landing within a prairie area. The plane slid for several dozen meters across the terrain before the movement ceased. Despite the impact, all four occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft safely. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
The crew encountered technical problems during the en route phase of the flight.
The decision to reduce altitude was made to attempt an emergency landing.
Probable cause
The aircraft experienced technical malfunctions during flight, necessitating an emergency descent and subsequent belly landing.