What happened
During the approach phase toward El Plumerillo Airport in Mendoza, a mechanical failure occurred on the aircraft's left engine. A single propeller blade became detached from the engine assembly, subsequently striking the fuselage and breaching the cabin area.
In response to the structural damage and engine malfunction, the pilot initiated an emergency descent to lower the altitude of the flight. The crew successfully guided the aircraft type to a landing in a prairie situated a short distance from the airport perimeter.
All 20 occupants on board were evacuated from the wreckage without any reported fatalities or injuries. Although the landing was successful, the impact and the damage caused by the propeller blade resulted in the aircraft being declared a total loss.
Findings
Investigation into the incident determined that the primary factor leading to the emergency was the separation of a propeller blade during flight.