What happened
On March 15, 2026, an LV-X345 experimental aircraft was involved in an accident while attempting to land at the Aeroclub General Alvear in Mendoza, Argentina. The flight was a non-commercial pleasure operation conducted under visual meteorological conditions with good visibility and calm winds. During the landing phase, the aircraft failed to stop within the available runway length, resulting in an undershoot. The aircraft came to rest on flat grass terrain less than 10 kilometers from the aerodrome boundary. The pilot escaped the wreckage without sustaining any injuries.
The investigation
The Argentine Transportation Safety Board (JST) initiated a preliminary inquiry into the event, classified as a substantial accident with no fatalities or injuries. Investigators examined the operational context, noting that the aircraft was a fixed-wing experimental model powered by a Rotax 912-S engine. The flight duration was approximately 0.16 hours. Meteorological data indicated daylight conditions with 20 km visibility and surface winds of 7 knots from 360 degrees. The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the aircraft exiting the designated landing area, specifically analyzing the factors contributing to the undershoot.
Findings
The primary causal factor identified was the undershoot during the landing phase. The aircraft did not stop within the runway limits, forcing it to continue onto the grass surface. No mechanical failures or adverse weather conditions were cited as contributing factors in the preliminary data. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the airframe but no harm to the occupant.
Safety action
The JST is continuing its investigation to determine if specific procedural or operational issues contributed to the undershoot. Preliminary reports indicate that standard safety reviews will be conducted regarding landing performance and pilot decision-making during the final approach.