Piper PA-11 LV-YOD Emergency Landing in Miramar, Argentina

Incident Overview and Flight Details On April 1, 2022, at approximately 19:20 UTC, a Piper PA-11 with registration LV-YOD departed from Miramar aerodrome in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, for a general aviation pleasure flight. The aircraft was owned by Aeroclub Miramar. During the cruise phase at an altitude of 530 feet, the engine suffered a sudden loss of power that occurred twice. The pilot initiated a 180-degree turn back toward the aerodrome. During this maneuver, the engine experienced another fluctuation and subsequently stopped completely. The pilot executed an emergency landing in a soybean field, where the aircraft impacted the terrain. Both occupants, a pilot and one passenger, exited the aircraft under their own power and sustained no injuries. ## Investigation and Technical Findings The pilot held a valid private pilot license with 56.7 hours of experience. The aircraft had completed two prior flights without issue before the incident. The impact caused significant damage to the left wing, main landing gear, and the lower portion of the engine. Maintenance records indicated the aircraft was properly equipped and maintained according to regulations. Investigators tested the engine's control, fuel, and ignition systems and found no faults. The carburetor was removed and verified to function correctly, containing clean fuel with no visible solid particles. Fuel lines, the fuel filter, and its drainage system were in good condition and contained fuel. Magneto tests on a workbench confirmed proper operation, and spark plugs were in optimal condition and free of contamination. ## Fuel Analysis and Post-Incident Testing A fuel sample from the aircraft's tank was sent for laboratory analysis and found to be suitable, with a physicochemical profile consistent with AV-GAS 100 LL. A sample from the aerodrome's fuel supply tank yielded the same result. On April 14, 2022, investigators conducted an expanded investigation by starting the engine after replacing the intake manifold, which had been damaged in the impact. The engine test and condition analysis revealed no indications of technical problems prior to the incident. ## Meteorological Conditions According to the National Meteorological Service (SMN), surface weather conditions at the time of the accident were favorable. The relative humidity was 37%, wind was 360 degrees at 8 knots, visibility was 10 kilometers, there were no significant phenomena, and cloud cover was 2/8 cirrus.