What happened
On July 16, 2019, at approximately 19:34 UTC, a Tecnam P2002-JF, registration LV-GKY, departed from the private airfield in Carcarañá, Santa Fe, for a general aviation training flight. During the initial climb phase, the crew experienced engine vibrations that intensified, leading to a gradual reduction in RPM and a total engine failure. While attempting to manage the emergency at an altitude of roughly 200 feet, the aircraft experienced a loss of control and impacted the ground. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and caused two serious injuries to the crew.
The investigation
The Argentine Transportation Safety Board (JST) examined the wreckage and the operational circumstances of the flight. The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the engine, the fuel system configuration, and the aircraft's weight and balance. Investigators analyzed the fuel selector valve, the structural integrity of the seatbelt attachments, and the aircraft's loading conditions at the time of takeoff. The probe also looked into the discrepancy between the manufacturer's certification testing and the actual hardware installed on the aircraft.
Findings
- At the time of takeoff, the aircraft exceeded its maximum takeoff weight and the center of gravity was outside of the permitted range.
- The engine failure was likely caused by a fuel flow obstruction at the outlet of the fuel selector valve.
- The fuel selector valve was found in an intermediate position, 45 degrees to the left of the left tank setting, which was not a standard operational position.
- The fuel selector valve hardware differed from the specifications required by type certification standards.
- The shoulder harness attachments on the aircraft did not meet design and manufacturing standards due to improper rivet placement.
- The investigation also noted that the aircraft was using automotive-grade fuel and that the flight manual allowed for an undocumented position of the fuel selector valve.