What happened
On July 7, 2022, a Piper PA-A-38-112, registration LV-AOH, was conducting a general aviation training flight in the province of Entre Ríos, Argentina. The flight originally planned a route from Concordia to Villaguay and back. However, after reaching Villaguay, the pilot decided to add an unplanned stop at the LAD 3030 Genaro Plaza landing strip.
During the approach to the Genaro Plaza strip, the pilot initially aborted the landing due to the presence of livestock on the runway. On a second approach attempt, the pilot identified trees obstructing the path. While attempting an escape maneuver, the right wing of the aircraft struck a tree, leading to a loss of control and a subsequent impact with the ground. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot sustained one minor injury.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's experience, flight planning, and environmental conditions. The pilot had received their private pilot license only eight days prior to the accident. Investigators found that the aircraft was in an airworthy condition with no mechanical failures reported.
Analysis of the landing strip revealed that the facility lacked runway markings, such as threshold or centerline indicators, which likely made it difficult to identify the runway's dimensions. Furthermore, meteorological data indicated that the pilot performed both landing attempts with a tailwind of approximately 12 knots, accompanied by potential gusts. The investigation also noted that the pilot had previously ignored wind direction during takeoff at Concordia, requiring intervention from a flight instructor.
Findings
- The pilot was operating with very limited experience, having held a license for only eight days.
- The flight plan was modified mid-flight to include an unplanned destination where the pilot had no prior experience operating as pilot-in-command.
- The pilot performed both landing attempts into a tailwind, which increased ground speed and descent rate, reducing the time available to react to obstacles.
- The absence of runway markings at the landing site hindered the pilot's ability to judge the runway boundaries.
- The presence of obstacles, including both animals and trees, necessitated multiple go-around maneuvers.
Safety action
- The investigation highlighted the necessity for aero clubs and flight institutions to provide continued mentorship and support for novice pilots following their initial licensing.