What happened
On January 4, 2026, at approximately 10:23 UTC, a Navion (NA-145), registration LV-YYL, was performing a non-commercial flight from the San Antonio Oeste Aeroclub toward the Pehuajó Aeroclub. Shortly after takeoff, while the aircraft was in its initial climb phase, the pilot experienced a sudden loss of power following an engine stoppage.
Unable to maintain flight, the pilot was forced to perform an emergency landing in a rural area near the Saint Exupery Aerodrome. The aircraft impacted the terrain, which was covered in tall vegetation, at a low speed of approximately 60 knots. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the airframe and caused serious injuries to the three occupants on board.
The investigation
The Argentine Transportation Safety Board (JST) initiated an investigation into the mechanical failure. Investigators focused on the powerplant group, specifically examining the Continental (Teledyne) O-470-K engine and the Hartzell propeller. The investigation sought to determine the exact cause of the engine stoppage during the climb. Preliminary technical examinations focused on the aircraft's fuel system and the possibility of external contaminants affecting the engine's performance.