What happened
On December 16, 2023, at approximately 10:20 UTC, a Macchi MB-308 aircraft, registration LV-GHP, was engaged in a general aviation training flight at Cutral Co Airport in Neuquently, Argentina. The aircraft was performing a departure from the circuit pattern when it experienced a sudden loss of engine power. Following the power loss, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent, banking sharply to the left. The aircraft subsequently impacted the terrain, resulting in the destruction of the airframe and the deaths of two occupants on board.
The investigation
The JST investigation focused on the sequence of events during the takeoff phase and the mechanical state of the engine. The investigation established that the flight was operating under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) and was part of a training operation. The investigation examined the impact site and the wreckage of the Macchi MB-308 to determine the nature of the flight path deviation and the specific circumstances surrounding the engine failure.