Incident Overview
On March 21, 2019, at 14:00 UTC, a Cessna AA188-B aircraft, registration LV-LNN, departed from an airstrip near Sachayoj, Santiago del Estero, Argentina, to perform an aerial application flight. After takeoff, the aircraft made a left turn. During the turn, the engine experienced a power loss, causing the aircraft to lose altitude and impact a tree before crashing to the ground. The accident occurred in daylight under good weather conditions.
Investigation Findings
Investigators examined the wreckage at the site. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. Both fuel tanks and the hopper were damaged, and their contents were lost. The pilot reported that two previous flights that day were normal. During the third flight, after takeoff at approximately 100 knots and 250 feet altitude, he initiated a left turn and felt a power loss. He leveled the wings and confirmed full throttle, fine pitch propeller, and rich mixture. The only landing option ahead was a wooded area. He configured full flaps and attempted to activate the emergency dump system but struck a tree with the left wing, losing control.
The aircraft had taken off at a weight close to its maximum takeoff weight. The engine, a Continental IO-520-D, was sent to an aeronautical repair shop for evaluation. Inspection of internal components and accessories showed that the engine was delivering power until impact; no failures or malfunctions were detected. Propeller marks on trees confirmed the engine was rotating at impact.
The aircraft, engine, and propeller logbooks were not up to date. The last maintenance intervention was on December 26, 2018.
Analysis
The investigation considered two possible scenarios: a power loss or engine failure after takeoff preventing continued flight, or inadequate management of flight parameters (speed, altitude, bank angle) leading to a loss of lift. No technical evidence supporting an engine failure was found. The engine was delivering power at impact, but the percentage could not be determined.
Conclusions
- The aircraft, engine, and propeller logbooks were not up to date.
- The emergency hopper door release system was not actuated before impact.
- The engine was delivering power at the time of the accident.
- No technical evidence was found that could attribute the accident to an engine failure.