Incident Summary
On 25 May 2025 at 18:15 UTC, a Piper PA-11 with registration LV-YNS departed from Aero Club San Martín in Mendoza, Argentina, for a local recreational flight. During the cruise phase, the aircraft experienced a loss of power followed by a complete engine stoppage. The pilot executed an emergency landing in an unprepared field. During the landing roll, the right wing contacted low vegetation, causing the aircraft to yaw to the right. No injuries to occupants and no damage to the aircraft were reported.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-11, serial number 648, with a maximum takeoff weight in the 0–2250 kg category. It was registered in Argentina. The pilot, a 52-year-old male, held a commercial pilot license issued by the state of registry. The flight was operated as a non-commercial, local pleasure flight under a private operator.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the incident, the weather was reported as VMC. Wind was from 020° at 5 knots, visibility 15 km, temperature 20.2°C, dew point 7.9°C, relative humidity 45%, clear sky, and pressure 1008.5 hPa. An analysis using a carburetor icing probability chart indicated a "moderate" probability of carburetor icing during cruise flight.
Investigation Findings
A subsequent inspection of the aircraft at an aeronautical repair workshop found no evidence of mechanical failures that could explain the power loss. Although the meteorological conditions were consistent with the potential for carburetor icing, the investigation could not confirm that carburetor icing was the cause of the power loss. No other causal factors were identified.