What happened
During a cargo mission traveling from Antofagasta to Buenos Aires, an aircraft experienced a significant mechanical issue while cruising at 5,250 meters. The propeller on the left engine underwent an overspeed event, reaching 3,700 rpm, which necessitated feathering the engine.
Following the engine malfunction, the crew attempted to redirect the flight toward the closest available airport. However, the situation deteriorated, forcing the pilot to execute an emergency landing at an altitude of 4,192 meters on the Laguna Brava salt lake. The aircraft was landed with its undercarriage retracted.
Despite the impact, all occupants were successfully evacuated from the plane without injury. The aircraft was subsequently left at the site. At the time of the incident, the flight was being operated to transport Arabian race horses.
Findings
Investigations into the event concluded that the crew was forced to perform a landing on an unsuitable surface due to unidentified technical malfunctions within the number one engine.