What happened
On December 29, 2019, an aircraft with registration N55EX was conducting a non-commercial recreational flight from Catamarca Airport to Morón Airport. While operating in the cruise phase of the flight, the pilot observed a significant drop in oil pressure. In response to this mechanical issue, the pilot initiated an emergency landing procedure.
During the attempt to land, the aircraft made abnormal contact with the runway at Estancia San Miguel, located in the Córdoba Province. The impact resulted in two fatalities among the occupants on board.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the abnormal contact with the ground. Investigators examined the flight path from the origin in Catamarca to the destination in Buenos Aires, specifically looking at the period when the engine malfunction occurred. The investigation established that the aircraft was operating under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) at the time of the incident.
Findings
- The primary factor leading to the emergency was a drop in oil pressure during the cruise phase.
- The aircraft's landing resulted in an abnormal contact with the runway surface.
- The accident occurred at an elevation of approximately 2,040 feet.