What happened
On June 13, 2024, at approximately 19:00 UTC, a Cessna 172-K (registration LV-OIR) was conducting a general aviation training flight from Almirante Zar Airport (SAVT) toward El Tehuelche Airport in Puerto Madryn (SAVY). While operating in the cruise phase of the flight, the aircraft encountered extremely heavy vibrations originating from the engine and propeller assembly. In response to the mechanical instability, the pilot executed an emergency landing in a coastal area near Rawson, Chubut.
The investigation
The preliminary investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the powerplant during the cruise portion of the itinerary. The flight, which had a planned duration of 30 minutes, was operating under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC). Investigators examined the sequence of events leading from the onset of the vibration to the touchdown in the coastal zone. The aircraft sustained significant damage during the landing maneuver.
Findings
- The primary cause of the emergency landing was a severe vibration of the propeller and engine group.
- The aircraft was engaged in a training operation at the time of the incident.
- The landing occurred in a coastal region of the Chubut province.