What happened
On May 28, 2022, at approximately 16:30 UTC, a Cessna 140, registration LV-FCV, was engaged in general aviation operations in a rural area of Cuchillo Co, La Pampa. While taxiing on an unprepared surface known as a salitral, the aircraft's main landing gear sank into mud. This sudden loss of support caused the aircraft to pitch forward, resulting in the propeller blade striking the ground.
Following the impact, there were no injuries to the occupants. However, as one of the individuals exited the aircraft, the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) was inadvertently activated.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the propeller strike during the taxi phase. Investigators examined the terrain conditions at the site, specifically the nature of the unprepared surface, and the movement of the aircraft's landing gear through the mud. The investigation also addressed the accidental activation of the ELT during the post-incident egress.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating on an unprepared, unpaved surface.
- The main landing gear became embedded in mud, which triggered the nose-down pitch.
- The impact of the propeller with the ground caused minor damage to the aircraft.
- The ELT activation was an unintentional consequence of an occupant disembarking the aircraft.