What happened
On February 15, 2021, at 14:40 UTC, a Cessna 172B, registration LV-HJR, was conducting an aerial application flight for insect control over the Maipú department in Mendoza, Argentina. While operating in the cruise phase of the flight, the pilot experienced a sudden loss of engine power.
Following the loss of power, the pilot executed a precautionary landing in an uninhabited gated community located at the intersection of Vieytes and Palma streets. The aircraft landed safely without sustaining any damage, and there were no injuries reported among the crew or passengers.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical performance of the engine during the flight phase and the circumstances surrounding the power loss. The flight originated from Aeródromo Aerotec in Rivadavia and was part of an agricultural work operation. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was operating in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) at the time of the incident.