Background
On March 12, 2021, a Cessna 152 aircraft, registration LV-AMS, operated by Centro Universitario de Aviación, departed from La Matanza Aerodrome in Buenos Aires Province for a local general aviation training flight. The flight was conducted under visual flight rules during daytime conditions.
Flight Sequence
The aircraft took off at 21:30 UTC. During the initial climb phase, after performing a touch-and-go landing and takeoff practice, the pilot perceived a reduction in engine power. At approximately 300 feet altitude, the power loss became noticeable, and at around 450 feet, the pilot reported hearing an explosion as he initiated a right turn.
Faced with the power loss, the pilot began an approach circuit intending to land on Runway 35. However, due to decreasing altitude and the presence of houses along the approach path, he decided to land on Runway 27, which was closer. At the time of the incident, Runway 09/27 was closed as per NOTAM C445/2021.
The landing resulted in a runway excursion, and the aircraft continued beyond the runway end, impacting a ditch located approximately 50 meters from the runway end. The aircraft came to rest at that location.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination revealed damage to the left wing tip, deformation of the crankshaft flange and bearing cap, and damage to one propeller blade. Flight control continuity was verified with no anomalies. Fuel was present in both wing tanks, but the exact quantity at the time of the accident could not be determined due to fuel loss from the left tank vent caused by the aircraft's attitude after the impact.
Fuel samples from both tanks were analyzed by the Laboratorio de Ensayos de Materiales of the Argentine Air Force. The analysis confirmed the fuel was AVGAS 100LL with no detectable water, solid content below 1 mg/l, and a clear, homogeneous, light blue appearance, indicating no contamination.
Conclusion
The accident sequence involved a loss of engine power during initial climb, leading to a forced landing on a closed runway, subsequent runway excursion, and impact with a ditch. The pilot was not injured, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage.