What happened
On September 12, 2025, a Rans/Rimoldi S-12XL ultralight, registration LV-UX048, departed from Ensenada Aerodrome in La Plata, Argentina, for a local flight. The aircraft was operated by a private owner acting as the sole occupant. Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, while cruising at an altitude of 1,200 feet, the engine began to fail. The pilot successfully identified a suitable landing site and performed an emergency landing in a field in the Gonnet area. There were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft. Following the landing, bystanders assisted the pilot in towing the aircraft to a nearby residence for protection.
The investigation
Subsequent inspections conducted by the pilot and maintenance personnel focused on the fuel system, as the nature of the engine failure suggested a fuel delivery issue. The aircraft is equipped with two fuel pumps operating in parallel: one electric and one pneumatic. Investigators examined the electrical circuit for the electric pump, which includes a relay, an ignition switch, a battery connection, and a fuse.
Upon disconnecting the fuse for the electric pump, technicians discovered the presence of dirt and rust. Maintenance personnel indicated that this corrosion likely resulted from exposure to environmental moisture and particulates. After cleaning the fuse and reconnecting the circuit, the engine was successfully restarted and underwent various power setting tests without further issues. The aircraft was then disassembled and transported by ground to its home aerodrome. \