What happened
On February 16, 2023, at approximately 04:00 UTC, a Cessna 208 Caravan, registration CX-MAX, was conducting a non-scheduled commercial flight from Uruguay toward Ezeiza International Airport. While traversing the province of Buenos Aires, the aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power.
Following the engine failure, the crew declared an emergency and requested an approach to La Plata as an alternative landing site. However, the aircraft was unable to reach the aerodrome and instead performed an emergency landing on a street adjacent to Provincial Route 11 in Berisso. During the descent and impact, the aircraft struck a tree and power lines, which subsequently led to a post-crash fire. The aircraft was destroyed in the incident.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading from the engine failure to the impact. Authorities examined the flight path from the point of engine shutdown to the final resting position near Berisso. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's arrival in the Buenos Aires province coincided with the mechanical failure, necessitating the emergency declaration and the attempt to divert to La Plata.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a complete engine failure during the cruise phase of flight.
- The crew attempted to execute an emergency diversion to an alternative airport.
- The aircraft's impact with ground obstacles, specifically a tree and electrical infrastructure, contributed to the destruction of the airframe.
- The incident resulted in two occupants on board, with one person sustaining minor injuries and one person sustaining no injuries.