Accident Overview
On November 8, 2025, at 20:38 UTC, a Piper PA25-235 aircraft, registration LV-MDR, was involved in an accident in a rural area near Los Toldos, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The aircraft was conducting an agricultural flight. During the initial climb phase after takeoff, the engine stopped. Subsequently, the aircraft impacted the terrain. The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft was a Piper PA25-235, serial number AR25-7756092, manufactured in 1978. It had a maximum takeoff mass of 1320 kg and was powered by a Lycoming 540 series engine (serial number L-19259-40A). The engine had accumulated 2000.4 hours total time, with 390 hours since last overhaul. The propeller was a McCauley 1A200/FA8452 (serial number 107559) with 117 hours since overhaul. The aircraft's airworthiness certificate and maintenance documentation were current. The flight was a non-scheduled agricultural operation, operated by Agro Aéreo Roberts SRL. The departure and destination were the same location: a field on RP 67, km 125. The flight duration was 0.1 hours.
Pilot Information
The pilot was a 36-year-old male holding an airplane pilot license issued by the state of registry. He had a total flight experience of 600 hours, with 250 hours on type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 20 hours, and none in the last 24 hours. He held the required rating for the operation.
Engine Failure and Impact
The engine failure occurred during the takeoff phase, specifically in initial climb. The aircraft impacted the ground at a speed of 80 knots, with a low impact angle, nose-level pitch, and wings-level roll attitude. The terrain was level grass. The aircraft came to rest on the aerodrome/airstrip. The ELT operated effectively.
Investigation
The Junta de Seguridad en el Transporte (JST) of Argentina is investigating the accident. The preliminary report classifies the event as an accident with the category SCF-PP (powerplant failure or malfunction). The investigation is ongoing.