What happened
On April 1, 2026, a Cessna 150 aircraft bearing registration LV-CIW was involved in an accident in the rural zone of Paraje KM 20, located near Corrientes, Argentina. The flight originated from and was destined for Corrientes Airport (SARC/CNQ). At approximately 13:00 local time, the aircraft departed under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) during daylight hours.
The flight was conducted as a non-commercial operation, specifically categorized as flight training or instructional activity. The aircraft was operated by a private flying club or school. During the en-route phase of the flight, the Cessna 150 collided with an obstacle. The impact occurred on level, flat grass terrain approximately 200 feet above ground level and more than 10 kilometers away from the aerodrome.
The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the collision. Despite the severity of the structural impact, both occupants managed to evacuate the wreckage within one minute. The pilot-in-command was a male dual student holding a commercial pilot license. The second occupant was also a male dual student with a commercial pilot license. Both individuals were wearing lap belts at the time of the incident.
The investigation
The preliminary inquiry by the Argentine Transportation Safety Board (JST) focused on the circumstances surrounding the off-airport collision. Key data points established include the aircraft's airworthiness certificate and maintenance documentation, which indicated the Cessna 150 was manufactured in 1977 with a total of one cycle recorded at the time of the report. The engine, a Continental (Teledyne) USA 200 Family model, had accumulated 25,579 hours. The propeller, manufactured by McCauley Propeller Systems, was also noted.
Meteorological conditions were favorable, with good visibility and daylight providing clear sightlines. The wind intensity was not specified as a contributing factor. The flight was part of a non-scheduled operation typical of flight training exercises. The investigation examined the aircraft's systems, specifically noting descriptors related to engine controls and mixture control (7602), suggesting these components were under review for potential malfunction or failure.
Findings
The primary causal factors identified in the preliminary report point to a system or component failure unrelated to the powerplant, combined with a collision with an obstacle during the flight phase. The classification of the accident includes SCF-NP (System/component failure or malfunction [non-powerplant]) and CTOL (Collision with obstacle(s) during take-off and landing).
While the specific mechanical failure was not detailed in the provided summary data, the presence of descriptors regarding engine controls implies a potential issue with the mixture control or related systems. However, the immediate cause of the accident was the collision with an obstacle while the aircraft was off-airport. The survival of both occupants is attributed to the effectiveness of the lap belts and the rapid evacuation from the wreckage.
Safety action
The preliminary report classifies the incident under factors describing aircraft components and systems, specifically highlighting engine controls. No specific safety recommendations or actions taken by the operator or regulatory body were included in this preliminary data set. The investigation remains focused on establishing the exact nature of the non-powerplant system failure that led to the loss of control or navigation required to avoid the obstacle.