Overview
On 29 June 2024, at 19:00 UTC, a Piper PA-18-150, registration LV-GBY, was involved in an accident on Cerro Plataforma, near the town of Cholila, Chubut Province, Argentina. The aircraft was conducting a general aviation transfer flight.
Flight Details
The flight departed from a private airstrip at Estancia La Esperanza, located near Cholila, with the intended destination being Lugar Apto Denunciado (LAD) No. 2843 Lago Cholila. After takeoff, the aircraft flew over a series of hills to the south and then entered a valley leading toward Lago Cholila. Approximately 30 minutes after departure, while operating under visual meteorological conditions with the presence of orographic turbulence, the aircraft was flying at low altitude.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft subsequently impacted terrain on Cerro Plataforma. The accident occurred during daylight hours. The specific circumstances of the impact, including any damage to the aircraft or injuries to occupants, are detailed in the official report but are not summarized here.
Investigation
The Argentine Transportation Safety Board (JST) investigated the accident. The investigation identified safety issues related to mountain flying and issued a safety recommendation to the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC). The probable cause of the accident was not explicitly stated in the available summary.
Conclusion
This report describes the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident of LV-GBY. The JST's investigation focused on systemic factors and resulted in recommendations to improve operational safety in mountainous terrain.