Introduction
On 6 December 2019, at 01:50 UTC, a Cessna C-177RG, registration PT-KIZ, operated by BMSS Comercio Internacional EIRELI-EPP, experienced a fuel exhaustion accident near San Fernando International Airport (SADF) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The aircraft was conducting an international general aviation flight.
Flight History
The flight began on 5 December 2019 at approximately 09:30 UTC from Campo de Marte Airport (SBMT) in São Paulo, Brazil, with San Fernando as the intended destination. A planned fuel and immigration stop was made at Salgado Filho Airport (SBPA) in Porto Alegre, Brazil. However, AVGAS fuel was unavailable at that airport. The aircraft then flew to Novo Hamburgo airfield (SSNH) to refuel before returning to Salgado Filho. The aircraft departed Salgado Filho at approximately 21:45 UTC on the same day, en route to San Fernando.
Accident Event
During the approach to San Fernando at 01:50 UTC on 6 December 2019, the accident occurred. The official report identified fuel exhaustion as the event's central issue.
Investigation
The Junta de Seguridad en el Transporte (JST) conducted the investigation. The report highlights safety issues related to fuel management and consumption, as well as communications between the aircraft and air traffic control areas. A safety recommendation was issued to the Empresa Argentina de Navegación Aérea (EANA).
Probable Cause
The investigation stated that the accident was due to fuel exhaustion.