What happened
On January 22, 2025, a Cessna 402, registration LV-JHP, was performing a non-commercial relocation flight from Carcarañá to Rosario International Airport in Santa Fe, Argentina. While the crew was on final approach to runway 02, they observed smoke emanating from the left engine. In response to the developing situation, the crew shut down the affected engine and successfully completed an emergency landing at the aerodrome. There were no injuries to the two occupants, and the aircraft sustained minor damage.
The investigation
The Argentine Transportation Safety Board (JST) initiated an investigation into the powerplant failure. Investigators are focusing on the recent maintenance history of the aircraft, noting that the engine exhaust system had been disassembled for periodic maintenance just seven hours prior to the incident.
Specifically, the JST is examining the integrity of the left engine's exhaust duct, which appears to have failed at a point involving a weld or brazed joint. The investigation aims to determine if the specific welding procedures applied during the recent maintenance contributed to the rupture. Additionally, authorities are looking into whether the engine-to-airframe mounting configuration may have restricted the exhaust system's ability to absorb vibrations, potentially leading to the component failure.