What happened
On July 14, 2022, a Cessna A-185-E, registration LV-AST, was engaged in a skydiving operation at the Coronel Olmedo Aerodrome in Córdoba, Argentina. During the descent phase of the flight, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure involving a non-engine component. Specifically, the aircraft's launch door became detached from the airframe while in flight.
Despite the loss of the door, the pilot was able to complete the flight safely. The aircraft landed at the aerodrome without difficulty, and no damage to third parties or ground infrastructure was reported. The incident resulted in one minor injury to a passenger, but no fatalities occurred.
The investigation
The Argentine Transportation Safety Board (JST) conducted a technical investigation into the incident. The inquiry focused on the circumstances surrounding the detachment of the door and the subsequent condition of the aircraft. Investigators examined the mechanical state of the Cessuna A-185-E following the event to determine the nature of the component failure.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a failure of a non-engine component, specifically the detachment of the aircraft's launch door during the descent phase.
- The aircraft was operating in a general aviation capacity for skydiving purposes.
- The flight was conducted under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).
- The incident caused minor injuries to one individual on board, but the aircraft remained controllable throughout the remainder of the flight.