What happened
On April 8, 2018, a private Piper PA-34-220T, registration LV-GZK, was conducting a general aviation flight from Santiago Germano Airport in San Rafael to the Tandil Aeroclub. The flight initially proceeded under visual flight rules (VFR) for approximately 55 minutes. However, the aircraft subsequently became inadvertently involved in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). During this period, the aircraft struck the terrain near Pellegrini, Buenos Aires, in a controlled flight into terrain manner. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and five fatalities, including the pilot and four passengers.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the JIAAC examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's qualifications, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators found that while the pilot held a valid private pilot license, they did not possess an instrument rating (HVI). The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's technical status, noting that the Piper PA-34-220T was not maintained according to current regulations, specifically regarding a missing 50-hour inspection record. Additionally, the investigation looked into the functionality of the Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) and the autopilot, though the extent of the wreckage prevented determining if the terrain inhibit function had been activated.
Findings
- The pilot was operating the aircraft without an instrument rating while flying in IMC.
- The aircraft was not maintained in accordance with applicable regulations, with no documented evidence of a required 50-hour inspection.
- The flight transitioned from VFR to IMC, leading to the controlled flight into terrain.
- There were identified deficiencies in the oversight of pilot training and the training of Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) personnel regarding proactive weather updates.