On December 23, 2020, a CONSOL. AERONAUTICS LA-4-200 (registration CP-3113) was involved in an aviation accident near FUERA PERÍMETRO AÉRODROMO TRINIDAD SLTR, BO. This summary draws on records from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Area of the Bolivian DGAC (AIG).
On 23 December 2020, a Consolidated Aeronautics LA-4-200 (CP-3113) suffered engine power loss during initial climb at Trinidad SLTR. The pilot made an emergency landing in a field, sustaining substantial damage; the pilot was uninjured.
Overview and Classification On 23 December 2020 at 17:17 UTC, an accident occurred involving a Consolidated Aeronautics LA-4-200, registration CP-3113, near the aerodrome perimeter at Trinidad SLTR in the Beni Department. The event was classified as an accident and occurred during the initial climb phase. ## Flight Background The aircraft had been at Trinidad SLTR with its Certificate of Airworthiness expired since 6 March 2020. Technical personnel from an OMA in Santa Cruz traveled to Trinidad to inspect and evaluate the aircraft in order to obtain a special flight permit for transfer to El Trompillo SLET in Santa Cruz, where the airworthiness certificate would be renewed. OMA work was carried out from 22 October 2020 to 24 October 2020, resulting in a release to service based on the work performed. On 23 December 2020, flight plan No. 0157247 was filed for a local test flight. The aircraft departed at 17:16 UTC. ## Sequence of Events Approximately 50 seconds after takeoff, at an altitude of about 300–400 feet above the terrain, a loss of engine power occurred. The pilot notified the control tower and decided to make an emergency landing in a field near the runway. The aircraft impacted the posts of the perimeter fence, causing the left landing gear to collapse. The pilot reported that the fuel tank was full and that water and impurities were found in the fuel during the pre-flight inspection. ## Injuries and Damage The sole occupant, the pilot, was uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left landing gear, right wing, and fuselage. No other damage was reported. ## Personnel and Aircraft Information The pilot in command was a 37-year-old Bolivian national holding a Commercial Pilot License with ratings for single-engine and multi-engine land aircraft up to 5,700 kg MTOW. The pilot’s first-class medical certificate was expired. The aircraft was a 1977 Consolidated Aeronautics LA-4-200, serial number 865. Its Certificate of Registration No. 1174 was issued on 11 December 2018, with the observation that it was not suitable for public service. The Certificate of Airworthiness No. 1283 was last issued on 6 March 2019 and expired on 6 March 2020. A special airworthiness certificate No. 414 was issued on 22 December 2020 and expired on 31 December 2020. The last inspection was on 22 October 2020, and total airframe time was 2,018:57. ## Meteorological and Operational Conditions The accident occurred in daylight conditions with visibility greater than 10 km, light cloud cover, and no significant weather phenomena. The METAR for SLTR at 17:00 UTC was: 01004KT 9999 SCT015 BKN080 OVC200 28/24 Q1010 NOSIG. Communications between the pilot and air traffic control were normal. The pilot reported losing power, and the tower acknowledged and authorized a return to the station. The tower also instructed another aircraft to circle the field and report the wind-favorable segment, informing the pilot that traffic was north of the station. ## Aerodrome and Impact Details The J. Heinrich airport in Trinidad has an elevation of 155 m (508 ft), a reference temperature of 34°C, runway orientation 32/14, and a flexible pavement runway measuring 2,400 x 30 meters. The aircraft contacted the ground with the landing gear down and traveled 70 meters before impacting the fence posts and wire, collapsing the left landing gear. It came to rest 15 meters from the fence. ## Investigation Status No flight recorders were applicable for this aircraft model. No evidence was found that the pilot’s actions were affected by physiological factors or incapacitation. No traces of fire were found in flight or after impact. The sole occupant abandoned the aircraft by his own means, and no ELT activation warning was received. Fieldwork and information collection had been completed. Pending actions included conducting necessary tests and investigations, analyzing the facts and collected evidence, and preparing the final report. The investigation used ICAO Doc 9756 investigation techniques.