Air Tractor AT502B accident in Lobería, Argentina (LV-WZX)

Incident Overview and Location On December 12, 2024, at 21:50 UTC, an Air Tractor AT502B with registration LV-WZX experienced a loss of control during the takeoff phase of an aerial application flight. The aircraft impacted the ground at the intersection of Provincial Roads 30 and 227 in Lobería, Buenos Aires, Argentina. The accident was classified as an in-flight loss of control (LOC-I) and resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, which was ultimately destroyed. ## Aircraft and Operational Details The aircraft, manufactured in 1997, was powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A series engine and equipped with a Hartzell propeller. At the time of the accident, the aircraft had accumulated 2,907.6 total hours. The operation was a non-scheduled agricultural aerial work flight. The pilot-in-command, a 73-year-old male, held a valid airplane pilot license and had 4,621.1 total flight hours, including 3.2 hours in the preceding 90 days. ## Meteorological and Survival Information Meteorological conditions at the time were visual meteorological conditions (VMC) with daylight, a visibility of 15,000 meters, and a surface wind of 11 knots from 20 degrees. The pilot survived the accident and escaped within one minute, sustaining minor injuries. No other persons were injured, and there was no damage to third parties. The investigation is examining whether crosswind conditions during takeoff contributed to the loss of control.