Overview
On December 22, 2024, at 10:00 UTC, a Piper PA-25-235, registration LV-CTM, was involved in an accident during low altitude operations in a rural area approximately 15 km northeast of Villa de Pocho, Córdoba Province, Argentina. The aircraft, manufactured in 1973 (serial number 25-7405567), was conducting an aerial application flight. While exiting a swath, the left wing of the aircraft contacted the ground, causing the aircraft to impact the terrain.
Aircraft and Operator Information
The airplane was a fixed-wing, single-engine Piper PA-25-235, powered by a Lycoming 540 family engine (serial L-19307-40) and equipped with a McCauley 1A200-FA 8452 propeller (serial R1021). The maximum takeoff weight was 1315 kg. The operator was a private owner conducting non-scheduled specialized operations (aerial work – agricultural). The pilot-in-command was a 32-year-old male holding an Argentine pilot license with the required rating. The aircraft had a valid airworthiness certificate and current maintenance documentation.
Location and Conditions
The accident site was located at coordinates 31°25'29"S, 65°08'27"W, on level, flat terrain in a cultivated field at an elevation of 3370 feet. Meteorological conditions were Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) with daylight, visibility 30,000 meters, calm wind at 3 knots, and no gusts.
Sequence of Events
The flight originated from Villa Dolores, Córdoba (SAOD) and had a duration of 0.75 hours. The accident occurred during the manoeuvring phase of flight. While conducting an aerial application run, the aircraft’s left wing made contact with the ground during the exit from a swath, leading to impact. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. No third-party property damage was reported.
Injuries and Survivability
The sole occupant, the pilot, was not injured. The pilot used an upper body restraint system. The emergency locator transmitter (ELT) was not carried on board. Survival was possible.
Investigation
The investigation is ongoing. During the inspection of the wreckage, a section of control cable from the right wing was found severed. The cable was removed and sent to a laboratory for technical-metallurgical testing to determine the cause of the break—whether from impact, fatigue, pre-existing failure, or other factors. The investigation is awaiting results. No corrective or mitigating actions have been taken as of the report date.
Probable Cause
The provisional report does not state a probable cause.