What happened
On February 10, 2024, at 12:25 UTC, a Cessna A188 B AG-Truck, registration LV-ZZO, was performing an aerial application mission at the VMB3 landing strip in Vicuña Mackenna, Córdoba. The flight was initially delayed due to fog, but the pilot proceeded with the takeoff once meteorological conditions improved.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot noticed that the aircraft was not accelerating as expected. The aircraft reached a speed of 75 mph but failed to gain sufficient lift. As the plane reached the end of the 8-hundred-meter runway, the tail skid struck a perimeter fence. In an attempt to lighten the load and improve performance, the pilot opened the emergency hopper cover, but the aircraft was unable to climb. The plane subsequently struck a small hill approximately 400 meters beyond the runway threshold. The accident resulted in significant damage to the landing gear, wings, fuselage, and propeller, though there were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation by the JST faced significant challenges because the accident was not reported until 24 hours after the event. During this delay, the aircraft was dismantled and moved to a trailer for transport to a maintenance workshop. This unauthorized removal of the wreckage and the alteration of the scene prevented investigators from performing on-site field work, such as analyzing structural damage patterns or examining physical traces left on the ground.
Findings
- The pilot observed insufficient acceleration during the takeoff roll compared to standard engine performance.
- The aircraft failed to achieve a sustained climb, remaining near its stall speed.
- The tail skid made contact with the perimeter fence at the end of the runway.
- The aircraft struck an elevation 400 meters from the runway end.
- The late notification and the premature removal of the aircraft prevented the collection of critical physical evidence at the accident site.