What happened
On July 16, 2021, at approximately 20:30 UTC, a Cessna 150 aircraft, registered as LV-JFK, crashed in a rural area of Marcos Paz, Buenos Aires. The aircraft, operated by the ProFlight flight school, had departed from Morón Airport 30 minutes earlier for a local flight instruction session. During the flight, the aircraft entered a descent that resulted in a high-speed impact with the ground. The accident resulted in two fatalities, involving both the flight instructor and the student pilot, and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the JST focused on the technical and operational circumstances of the flight, as well as institutional oversight. Investigators examined the aircraft's condition and the nature of the maneuvers being performed. At the time of the accident, the student pilot was undergoing their fourth flight lesson, specifically practicing aerodynamic stall maneuvers with and without engine power.
While the aircraft's systems could not be fully verified due to the extent of the damage, there were no indications of mechanical failure or engine malfunction prior to the event. The investigation also reviewed the regulatory status of the flight school, noting that while the institution held a certification for civil aeronautical instruction, there was no evidence of required inspections being conducted by the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) between the school's certification and the date of the accident. Furthermore, evidence suggested the school's certification may not have been current at the time of the crash.
Findings
- The accident was caused by a loss of control in flight at a low altitude that could not be recovered.
- The aircraft was performing emergency maneuver training, specifically stall practice, within a designated altitude limit of 2,000 feet.
- Impact analysis of the wreckage and recovered instruments indicated the aircraft was traveling at a high velocity with a steep angle of descent at the moment of impact.
- No technical or mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors to the loss of control.
Safety action
- The JST recommended that ANAC ensure the implementation of periodic inspections for civil aeronautical instruction centers to maintain high safety and training standards.
- A recommendation was made to establish standardized procedures regarding the specific limitations and parameters under which emergency maneuvers should be practiced during flight instruction.