What happened
On December 23, 2025, at approximately 17:00 local time, an Air Tractor AT502B, registration LV-IUP, was performing a non-scheduled agricultural flight near Mercedes, in the province of Corrientes, Argentina. During the takeoff phase of the operation, the aircraft veered off the runway, resulting in a runway excursion. The aircraft impacted the ground at an estimated speed of 60 knots with a nose-down pitch and a moderate bank angle. The impact occurred on a grass surface approximately 40 meters from the initial departure point. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was destroyed. One person on board sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
The preliminary investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the takeoff roll and the aircraft's departure from the runway surface. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, which were found to be current, and its airworthiness certificate, which was valid at the time of the accident. The aircraft, a 2018 model, was powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A engine. Environmental conditions at the time of the event were reported as VMC (Visual Meteorological Conditions) with 15,000 meters of visibility and light winds of 5 knots. The investigation also looked into the terrain, noting the impact occurred on level, flat grass terrain near the aerodrome.
Findings
Based on the information gathered to date, the primary factor contributing to the accident was that the aircraft failed to reach the optimal takeoff speed before the excursion occurred.