What happened
On February 2, 2024, at approximately 11:30 UTC, a Piper PA-11, registration LV-YPS, was conducting a local training flight from the Ensenada aerodrome in Buenos Aires province. The pilot, a private pilot with 5.1 total flight hours, initiated the flight for instructional purposes.
During the landing phase, the pilot attempted a crosswind approach on runway 11. After an initial unstable approach, the pilot decided to execute a go-around. During this second attempt, the aircraft became unstable during the transition phase. While attempting to apply power to climb, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which subsequently struck the ground 220 meters from the runway threshold. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the airframe, including the landing gear, wings, and propeller, though the pilot escaped without injury.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed the plane was compliant with manufacturer standards, and the pilot's credentials, which were found to be in accordance with current regulations. Meteorological data from the National Meteorological Service indicated a north wind of approximately seven knots.
Investigators analyzed the flight path and the pilot's actions during the unstable approach. The investigation focused on the transition from the landing approach to the go-around maneuver and the aerodynamic behavior of the high-wing aircraft under crosswind conditions at low speeds.