What happened
On April 29, 2023, at approximately 21:30 UTC, a RANS S10 Sakota, registered as LV-X647, was conducting a recreational general aviation flight departing from and returning to La Cumbre Aerodrome in the province of Córdoba. While the aircraft was in the cruise phase of flight, the engine ceased operation due to a malfunction or failure within the engine group.
Following the loss of power, the pilot was forced to perform an emergency landing in an unprepared area located approximately 50 meters from the perimeter of the La Cumbre aerodrome. The aircraft sustained minor damage during the landing sequence. There were no fatalities, and the single occupant of the aircraft sustained only minor injuries.
The investigation
The Argentine National Directorate for the Investigation of Aeronautical Occurrences (DNISAE) conducted a documentary investigation into the event. The inquiry focused on the failure of the engine components and the circumstances surrounding the forced landing. The investigation followed the procedures established in the Manual of Procedures for the Investigation of Civil Aviation Accidents and Incidents.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a failure or malfunction of the engine group.
- The engine stopped functioning while the aircraft was at cruise altitude.
- The landing occurred in an unprepared area near the airfield due to the lack of engine power.