What happened
On October 17, 2020, a Piper PA-38-112, registration LV-MOM, was conducting a flight training mission when it experienced a mechanical issue during the initial climb phase. While operating near Puerto General San Martín, Santa Fe, the aircraft suffered a partial loss of engine power. Due to the loss of performance, the crew was forced to perform an emergency landing in a nearby field covered in soybean stubble.
Despite the impact of the landing, the crew members were able to exit the aircraft safely. There were no injuries reported following the event.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the power loss and the subsequent emergency landing. Investigators examined the aircraft's condition following the incident and reviewed the flight parameters during the climb. The inquiry evaluated the technical aspects of the engine failure and the operational procedures followed by the crew during the emergency.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a partial loss of power from the engine group during the initial ascent.
- The aircraft was operating under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) at the time of the occurrence.
- The emergency landing was executed in a field containing agricultural residue (soybean stubble), which likely assisted in the controlled nature of the touchdown.