What happened
On March 9, 2022, an Air Tractor AT-402-B, registration LV-JQL, was performing aerial application duties near Charata, Chaco. After approximately 90 minutes of flight under visual meteorological conditions, the aircraft was en route back to its base at Bazet Aviación when the engine suddenly stopped.
The pilot attempted to restart the engine in flight but was unsuccessful. Given the low altitude and the immediate surroundings, the pilot opted to perform an emergency landing on National Route 89. During the landing maneuver, the left wingtip struck a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction, causing the aircraft to come to a halt on the roadside shoulder. The aircraft sustained significant damage to the landing gear, propeller, and wings, though the pilot escaped without injury.
The investigation
The JST investigation focused on the cause of the engine failure and the circumstances leading to the fuel exhaustion. Inspectors examined the aircraft's engine and fuel systems, finding no mechanical or technical defects. However, investigators discovered that both fuel tanks were completely empty at the time of inspection.
While the pilot reported that no low-fuel alarms were triggered and no changes in fuel gauges were observed, the investigation noted a lack of documentation regarding the most recent refueling. Ground personnel suggested that a distraction during operations might have led to an oversight, potentially resulting in an insufficient amount of fuel being loaded for the mission.
Findings
- No mechanical failures were identified in the engine or the aircraft's fuel delivery systems.
- There was no available documentation or records to confirm the exact volume of fuel loaded prior to the flight.
- The primary cause of the engine shutdown was fuel exhaustion.
Safety action
- Operators and owners should implement rigorous procedures to ensure that aircraft are fueled sufficiently for the intended mission, particularly during complex or demanding operations.