What happened
On December 23, 2020, at 17:17 UTC, a Consolidated Aeronautics L-4-200, registration CP-3113, was performing a local test flight departing from Trinidad Airport (SLTR) in the Beni Department. The aircraft had been undergoing inspections by technical personnel from an Approved Maintenance Organization (OMA) to facilitate a special flight permit for relocation to El Trompillo Airport due to an expired airworthiness certificate.
Approximately 50 seconds after takeoff, while at an altitude of roughly 300 to 400 feet, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot notified air traffic control of the emergency and subsequently executed an emergency landing in an open field adjacent to the runway. During the landing sequence, the aircraft struck perimeter fence posts and wire, causing the left landing gear to collapse. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left landing gear, right wing, and fuselage. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, exited the aircraft uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation established that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate had been expired since March 6, 2020. During the pre-flight inspection, the pilot had noted the presence of water and impurities in the fuel, although the fuel tanks were full at the time of the incident. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were favorable, with good visibility and daylight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of engine power during the initial climb phase.
- The pilot reported finding water and impurities in the fuel during the pre-flight inspection.
- The aircraft struck perimeter fencing, leading to the collapse of the left landing gear.