What happened
On September 14, 2018, a Piper PA-22 Tripacer, registered as LV-IDL, departed from Brigadier General Antonio Parodi International Airport in Esquel, Chubut, for a promotional aerial photography mission. During the cruise phase of the flight, the aircraft experienced a significant loss of engine power that prevented the pilot from maintaining the flight path. Due to the power loss, the pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing in an unprepared field. The incident occurred during daylight hours under favorable meteorological conditions, and the pilot escaped without injury.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure that led to the loss of power. Investigators discovered that a spark plug in cylinder number three had become loose because a threaded plug (nipple) had broken. Crucially, the investigation established that this specific component was not an aviation-grade part and did not meet the required manufacturing standards for aircraft use.
While the engine had undergone a 100-hour inspection in June 2018, the technical representative stated that the non-aviation component was not installed by the maintenance workshop. Furthermore, the investigation noted that complete maintenance and engine histories for the aircraft were unavailable. The investigation also identified that the aircraft was operating without a required Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) and was performing aerial work without the necessary Air Operator Certificate (CETA).
Findings
- The engine power loss was directly caused by the failure of a threaded plug in the number three cylinder spark plug.
- The failed component was a non-aviation grade part, which lacks the quality control and reliability standards required for flight safety.
- The aircraft was not equipped with an ELT, violating Argentine Civil Aviation Regulations (RAAC).
- The aerial work operation was being conducted outside of a formal CETA framework.