Event Summary
On April 6, 2024, at 11:00 UTC, an Air-Tractor AT-401-B, registration LV-BMX, departed from a temporary field near Washington, Córdoba province, for an aerial seeding operation. During the takeoff roll, the pilot noted a loss of engine power. Despite the power reduction, the pilot elected to continue the takeoff due to the remaining runway length. The aircraft failed to maintain its flight path, began losing altitude, and subsequently struck a tree. The pilot then executed a controlled emergency landing. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot, who held a valid aerial applicator pilot license and appropriate experience, was not injured.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a single-engine agricultural airplane, model AT-401-B, serial number LV-BMX. It had a valid annual inspection and its maintenance records were current at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that a prior ferry flight to the temporary field was uneventful. After landing, without shutting down the engine, the pilot loaded 700 kg of rye seed into the hopper. During the loading process, the pilot repositioned the aircraft and engaged the lock for the emergency hopper dump system. The emergency dump system is designed to quickly release the load via a mechanically actuated bottom door controlled by a lever in the cockpit.
Investigation Findings
The accident was reported four days after it occurred, by which time the aircraft had been moved. Investigators conducted a field survey. Examination revealed substantial damage from the tree impact and the subsequent emergency landing. The investigation focused on the engine power loss during takeoff. The event was categorized as a system/component failure or malfunction (powerplant). No explicit probable cause was determined in the provided report.
Conclusion
The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the pilot remained uninjured. The investigation identified no additional risk factors beyond the engine power loss and the subsequent collision with a tree.