2025 Piper PA-38 accident in Argentina (LV-MXP)

Incident Overview and Location Details On 31 May 2025, a Piper PA-38 112, registration LV-MXP, experienced a powerplant failure or malfunction during take-off in Argentina. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in an unprepared field. The incident was classified as an accident with substantial damage and no injuries. The location was in South America, Argentina, with coordinates 26:47:51 South latitude and 67:17:38 West longitude. The flight departed from Argentina and was en route to Argentina, with a flight time of 1.1 hours. The call sign was LV-MXP, and the phase of flight was take-off. ## Aircraft and Engine Specifications The aircraft was a Piper PA-38 112, a fixed-wing small aeroplane manufactured in 1979, with serial number 38-79A1115. The maximum takeoff weight was 757 kg, and it was powered by a Lycoming 235 Family engine, serial number L-19942-15. The engine had 1,513 total hours, with 421 hours since overhaul and 43 hours since inspection. The propeller was a Sensenich Propeller Manuf. 72KC-0-56 K-1430, with 1,479 total hours. The aircraft used reciprocating engine fuel - Grade 100 LL, and its maintenance documentation was current with a valid airworthiness certificate. ## Occupants and Flight Conditions The pilot-in-command was a 51-year-old male with an airline transport pilot license, holding 6,100 total flight hours and 250 hours on type. The second occupant was a 70-year-old male dual student with a commercial pilot license, holding 500 total flight hours and 70 hours on type. The flight was a non-commercial, dual flight training/instructional operation under VMC conditions with 9,999 m visibility, daylight, and calm winds at 5 kt from 200 degrees. The terrain was level/flat at 1,778 ft elevation, with a crops/cultivated field surface. The impact speed was 80 kt, with a nose-down attitude and wings level. Both occupants survived, with an escape time of 1 minute, and the ELT operated effectively.