What happened
On January 14, 2025, a private Cessna 180-G, registration LV-IIF, was conducting a cross-country flight from Neuquén to San Martín de los Andes. The flight, operated under visual meteorological conditions, lasted approximately one hour and 48 minutes.
During the landing phase on runway 24 at Aviador C. Campos Airport, the aircraft experienced a runway excursion. The aircraft traveled a distance of approximately 52 meters along the pavement. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, the pilot was able to exit the aircraft quickly and sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The Argentine Transportation Safety Board (JST) initiated an investigation into the event, focusing on the sequence of events leading to the excursion. The investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, which were found to be current, and the pilot's credentials, noting the pilot held a valid private pilot license. Meteorological data at the time of the accident indicated daylight with visibility exceeding 9,999 meters and winds from 290 degrees at 12 knots.
Findings
The preliminary investigation identified a non-engine system or component failure/malfunction as a contributing factor to the runway excursion. The investigation is ongoing, and further details regarding the specific nature of the component failure are pending.