Overview
On 22 April 2018, at approximately 20:35 UTC, a Piper PA-28-151, registration LV-FKO, experienced an in-flight fire during a local general aviation flight. The aircraft had departed from El Tehuelche Airport in Puerto Madryn, Chubut, at 20:30 UTC for a flight over Península Valdés. About 15 minutes into the flight, at an altitude of 4000 feet, a fire erupted inside the cabin. The pilot was unable to control the fire and performed an emergency descent and landing on unprepared terrain.
Injuries and Damage
As a consequence of the fire, the three passengers on board died. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed: the airframe and engine were destroyed, and the propeller sustained significant damage. There were no other injuries or damage to property.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-151. According to maintenance records, it was equipped with a Gill G-35 battery. The aircraft was certified in accordance with current regulations, and its documentation was lost in the fire. The FAA had issued Airworthiness Directive 81-23-05, applicable to this model, to prevent in-flight fires; maintenance records indicated compliance.
Pilot Information
The pilot, a 26-year-old Argentine male, held a private pilot license with a single-engine land rating and a valid Class 2 medical certificate. He had 220 total flight hours, including 15 hours on the accident model.
Investigation Findings
The investigation, conducted by the Junta de Investigación de Accidentes de Aviación Civil (JIAAC), addressed safety issues related to aircraft maintenance and the use of non-aeronautical components and materials. The final report included two safety recommendations directed to the Administración Nacional de Aviación Civil.