What happened
On April 28, 2023, at approximately 14:25 UTC, a Pietenpol Aircamper, registration LV-X676, departed from the Metán aerodrome in the province of Salta, Argentina. Shortly after takeoff, while operating under visual meteorological conditions, the aircraft entered a left turn intended to transition from the base to the final leg of the landing circuit for runway 04. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a loss of control and struck the ground with high kinetic energy. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the death of the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's airworthiness status, the pilot's experience, and the technical documentation of the experimental aircraft. Investigators found that the aircraft's special airworthiness certificate had expired on January 22, 2020. Furthermore, the certificate's operational limitations restricted flight testing to a 40 km radius of the Venado Tuerto aerodrome; however, the accident occurred in Metán, meaning the aircraft was operating outside its authorized area.
Technical analysis of the impact site revealed an absence of skid marks, suggesting a steep impact angle. While the aircraft's weight and balance were within limits, investigators noted discrepancies in the flight manual documentation. A draft version of the manual contained performance data and weight specifications that did not align with the official certification records or the actual engine installed in the aircraft. Additionally, the pilot was not familiar with this specific aircraft and did not have a copy of the flight manual on board.
Findings
- The aircraft was not in an airworthy condition at the time of the flight due to an expired certificate and unauthorized operating location.
- The pilot lacked familiarity with the specific characteristics and systems of the aircraft.
- The accident was likely caused by a loss of control during the transition from the base to the final leg of the landing circuit.
- Discrepancies existed between the aircraft's actual performance capabilities and the documentation provided in the draft flight manual.