What happened
On August 25, 2022, an Air Tractor AT-802A, registration LV-JWI, was conducting aerial firefighting operations near San Pedro, Buenos Aires. The aircraft departed from the San Pedro aero club at 15:20 UTC, carrying approximately 600 gallons of water in its hopper.
While flying at an altitude of approximately 100 feet to perform a water drop, the aircraft entered a steep turn. During this maneuver, the right wingtip made contact with the terrain. Following the impact, the pilot reduced engine power and managed to execute a controlled landing approximately 500 meters from the initial contact point. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft uninjured and was subsequently rescued by an Argentine Army helicopter.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the operational conditions and the sequence of events leading to the contact with the ground. Investigators examined the aircraft's weight and balance, finding no evidence of an overweight condition or an improper center of gravity. The aircraft was within its maximum takeoff weight of 7,257 kg.
Investigators also reviewed the communication received during the flight. Shortly before reaching the target area, the pilot was notified via radio that the designated drop zone had been moved. This change occurred approximately 20 minutes after takeoff, leaving little time for a comprehensive risk assessment of the new coordinates. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's hopper still contained water upon impact, indicating that an emergency water release had not been performed.