What happened
On July 7, 2022, at 20:40 UTC, a Piper PA11C, registration LV-XLT, was conducting a flight training mission at Ensenada Aerodrome in Buenos Aires. While the aircraft was in the approach phase for runway 19, the pilot identified another aircraft, a Piper PA11 (registration LV-YPS), which was in the process of landing on the opposing runway 29.
To prevent a potential collision with the second aircraft, the pilot of LV-XLT executed an escape maneuver. During this sudden movement, the aircraft struck vegetation on the ground, which caused the aircraft to come to a halt and subsequently capsize.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the approach to runway 19 and the subsequent impact with ground vegetation. The inquiry examined the flight paths of both the Piper PA11C and the Piper PA11 involved in the incident. The investigation confirmed that the maneuver was a reactive attempt to avoid an impact with the aircraft landing on the opposite runway.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the emergency maneuver performed to avoid a mid-air collision with another aircraft.
- The aircraft LV-XLT sustained significant damage due to the impact with vegetation and the resulting rollover.
- The crew of the aircraft sustained no injuries during the event.