What happened
On February 10, 2022, at approximately 17:00 UTC, a DINFIA IAe 46 Ranquel, registration LV-HYE, was performing a recreational flight at Santa Teresita Aerodrome in Buenos Aires Province. The pilot had taken off at 16:45 UTC to perform a local circuit. During the landing phase, the aircraft experienced a loss of lateral control, causing it to veer toward the left side of the runway. As the aircraft exited the paved surface, the pilot shut down the engine. The aircraft eventually came to a stop 270 meters from the threshold of runway 35, approximately 25 meters from the centerline, after overturning. There were no fatalities and no injuries reported, though the aircraft sustained significant damage to the right wing, flap, aileron, vertical stabilizer, and rudder.
The investigation
The JST investigation examined the pilot's credentials, aircraft maintenance records, and the condition of the aerodrome. Investigators found that the pilot's medical certificate was expired and that the pilot had not flown since November 17, 2021, failing to meet the 60-day currency requirements mandated by Argentine Civil Aviation Regulations (RAAC).
Regarding the aircraft, while the airworthiness certificate was valid, investigators identified discrepancies in the maintenance logs, including a 10-hour difference between engine and airframe histories and a 5-hour discrepancy in the annual inspection records. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the runway strip on the left side of the runway contained dense vegetation, which contrasted with the opposite side of the strip. This vegetation was found to be non-compliant with ICAO aerodrome design standards.