Emergency landing following engine failure near airport

No fatalities • Buenos Aires-Aeroparque-Jorge Newbery, Argentina • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a loss of power in its left engine during initial climb, resulting in an emergency touchdown on a nearby sports field.

What happened

During the early stages of flight, while the aircraft was ascending to an altitude of approximately 300 feet, the left engine ceased operation. This sudden loss of power led to an aerodynamic stall. In response to the emergency, the pilot managed to stabilize the aircraft and directed it toward a sports field situated in the vicinity of the airport for an emergency landing.

Although the impact resulted in the aircraft being declared a total loss due to damage beyond repair, there were no injuries reported among the two crew members on board.

Findings

Investigations into the incident determined that the engine failure was triggered by a crew error involving the fuel system. Specifically, the pilot or crew had incorrectly set the fuel selector valve to an empty tank, which deprived the left engine of necessary fuel.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by the crew mistakenly selecting an empty fuel tank via the fuel selector valve.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1969-12-17 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Buenos Aires-Aeroparque-Jorge Newbery, Argentina?

An aircraft experienced a loss of power in its left engine during initial climb, resulting in an emergency touchdown on a nearby sports field.

Were there any fatalities in the 1969-12-17 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1969-12-17 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration LV-GEB, operated by Austral Lineas Aéreas, at Buenos Aires-Aeroparque-Jorge Newbery, Argentina.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by the crew mistakenly selecting an empty fuel tank via the fuel selector valve.

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