What happened
On August 7, 2021, at approximately 20:30 UTC, a Piper PA-18, registration LV-MBO, was engaged in a glider towing operation departing from Cañuelas Aerodrome. During the initial climb phase of the flight, the aircraft's engine ceased functioning. Following the engine failure, the pilot successfully executed the procedure to release the glider. However, due to the loss of power, the pilot was forced to perform an emergency landing in an unprepared field in a rural area near the aerodrome. The impact of the landing caused the aircraft to capsize, resulting in significant damage to the airframe. The pilot sustained one minor injury during the event.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading from the takeoff at Cañulations Aerodrome to the emergency landing in the nearby rural zone. Investigators examined the mechanical state of the Piper PA-18 and the circumstances surrounding the engine's sudden stoppage during the climb. The inquiry also reviewed the pilot's execution of the glider release maneuver and the subsequent emergency landing procedures in the unprepared terrain.