Night takeoff accident involving aircraft at Atlantic seaboard aerodrome

No fatalities • Río Gallegos, Argentina • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a failed takeoff attempt during a night flight, resulting in an excursion from the runway and an engine fire.

What happened

During a night takeoff operation, an aircraft was performing the final leg of a multi-day journey that had originated in Ezeiza. The flight plan included several stops across various aerodromes along the Atlantic seaboard. As the aircraft accelerated for approximately 600 meters, it entered a slight leftward curve during its ascent attempt. However, the plane subsequently struck the ground outside the runway perimeter and slid toward the right.

The force of the impact caused the left landing gear strut to fail. The aircraft continued to travel for roughly 96 meters before coming to a complete stop. Following the excursion, a fire ignited within the left engine nacelle. Due to insufficient firefighting resources available at the airfield, the blaze could not be suppressed immediately. There were no injuries reported among the four crew members and one passenger on board during the incident, which occurred at 08:20 local time.

Findings

The investigation determined that the accident occurred because the pilot chose to abort the takeoff after noticing an abnormality. It is believed that the propeller had likely entered a feathered position for reasons that remain undetermined.

Probable cause

The pilot aborted the takeoff due to an abnormal condition, likely caused by the propeller feathering for unknown reasons.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1955-05-20 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Río Gallegos, Argentina?

An aircraft experienced a failed takeoff attempt during a night flight, resulting in an excursion from the runway and an engine fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 1955-05-20 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1955-05-20 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration LV-ACQ, operated by Aerolineas Argentinas, at Río Gallegos, Argentina.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot aborted the takeoff due to an abnormal condition, likely caused by the propeller feathering for unknown reasons.

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