What happened
On March 12, 2021, at approximately 21:30 UTC, a Cessna 152, registration LV-AMS, departed from La Matanza Aerodrome in Buenos Aires province for a local flight training session. During the initial climb phase, following a practice takeoff and landing, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power. The pilot reported feeling an explosion at approximately 450 feet while initiating a right turn.
While the pilot initially intended to return to the active runway (Runway 35), the loss of altitude and the proximity of residential buildings prompted a decision to land on an alternative, out-of-service runway (Runway 27). This runway was closed at the time due to ongoing construction, as noted in a NOTAM. During the landing attempt, the aircraft exited the runway and struck a ditch located roughly 50 meters beyond the runway end. There were no injuries to the pilot, and the aircraft sustained significant damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's condition and mechanical components. Physical inspection revealed damage to the left wing tip, the propeller blade, and deformations in the engine's crankshaft crown and flange. Investigators also checked the flight controls, which were found to be functioning normally.
Fuel samples taken from both wing tanks were analyzed by the Argentine Air Force's Materials Testing Laboratory. The analysis confirmed the use of AVGAS 100LL and showed no evidence of water or significant solid contamination. To identify the cause of the power loss, investigators worked with an aeronautical repair shop to inspect the spark plugs, magnetos, carburetor, and various engine controls, including the throttle and mixture cables. A complete engine teardown was also performed, which revealed that all internal components were moving freely and showed no damage attributable to the accident.
Findings
- The engine experienced a power loss during the climb phase following takeoff.
- The origin of the engine failure could not be determined as no mechanical anomalies or malfunctions were found in the engine components, fuel system, or controls.
- The pilot's decision to land on an out-of-service runway was a response to the emergency and the need to avoid residential areas during the loss of altitude.