What happened
On June 30, 2023, at approximately 14:50 UTC, an American Champion 8KCAB, registration LV-HWE, was performing an aerobatic exhibition at a designated landing site known as "Agronea Charata" in the Chaco province of Argentina. The aircraft had departed from the Charata aerodrome roughly 20 minutes earlier for the event. During the execution of a maneuver at a low altitude, the aircraft experienced a loss of control and struck the ground. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the death of both occupants.
The investigation
The Argentine Transportation Safety Board (JST) examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The investigation focused on the technical aspects of the aircraft, the pilot's qualifications, and the regulatory framework governing aerobatic flight. Investigators reviewed the aircraft's maintenance and airworthiness records, finding that the engine, propeller, and airframe were in compliance with regulations and that the weight and balance were within limits. The investigation also looked into the pilot's flight experience and the specific maneuvers being performed at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The pilot was performing a snap roll maneuver at a low altitude.
- During the exit from this maneuver, the pilot likely lost control of the flight path, leading to the ground impact.
- The pilot did not possess a specific aerobatic flight rating.
- The maneuvers were performed at an altitude below the 450-meter threshold required by Argentine civil aviation regulations (RAAC) for pilots without an aerobatic rating.
- No mechanical or technical failures were identified as contributing to the crash.
- The investigation noted a lack of formal training records, though the pilot had performed aerobatic displays regularly for five years.
Safety action
The JST identified several systemic risks and issued recommendations to the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) to improve aerobatic safety, including:
- Developing standardized theoretical and practical instruction programs for aerobatic pilots.
- Establishing minimum experience requirements for aerobatic flight instructors.
- Designating Civil Aviation Training Centers as the only authorized entities for aerobatic instruction.
- Implementing specific guidelines for the revalidation of aerobatic ratings.
- Evaluating the implementation of a minimum altitude floor for all aerobatic maneuvers to prevent low-altitude loss of control.