What happened
On February 23, 2020, a Beechcraft Baron B58, registration LV-GVG, was performing a general aviation ferry flight from Rosario to San Fernando. While cruising at 7,000 feet, the aircraft experienced a simultaneous loss of power in both engines. The crew declared an emergency and executed an unplanned landing in a soybean plantation near the town of Gobernador Andonaegui, Buenos Aires. The aircraft struck a mound of earth during the landing roll, resulting in the failure of the right main landing gear, but all six occupants escaped without injury.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the cause of the dual engine failure and the state of the fuel systems. Investigators examined the engines and found no obstructions in the air intakes or fuel lines, though small rubber particles were found in the left engine fuel filter. While the right propeller was stopped and feathered, the left propeller showed signs of operation at low RPM during the landing.
Analysis of the fuel tanks revealed a significant discrepancy in fuel levels. The right tank contained approximately 80 liters, while only half a liter could be extracted from the left tank. A break was discovered in one of the fuel line couplings for the left tank, though investigators could not confirm if this occurred during flight or upon impact with the ground. Furthermore, fuel samples from both tanks were found to be unfit for use: the right tank contained insoluble materials, and the left tank contained water.
Findings
- The aircraft suffered a simultaneous loss of power in both engines.
- Fuel contamination was present in both tanks, with insoluble matter in the right tank and water in the left tank.
- The left fuel tank was nearly empty at the time of the accident, while the right tank still held a significant amount of fuel.
- A rupture was identified in a coupling of the left fuel tank plumbing system.
- The investigation concluded that while various factors were present, the simultaneous failure of two independent engines most likely points to a shared fuel-related issue.