What happened
On December 8, 2020, at 17:55 UTC, a Cessna 560XLS, registration LV-WLS, was conducting a general aviation ferry flight from Córdoba to Río Gallegos. While operating in the cruise phase of the flight, the aircraft experienced a significant drop in oil pressure in the number one (left) engine. In response to the engine malfunction, the pilot shut down the affected engine and initiated an emergency landing procedure.
The aircraft successfully landed at the Río Cuarto Airport in the province of Córdoba. During the emergency descent and landing, the number two (right) engine remained fully operational, allowing the crew to complete the landing without further complications. There were no injuries reported among the five occupants on board, and the aircraft sustained only minor damage.
The investigation
The Argentine Transportation Safety Board (JST) conducted a technical investigation into the incident. The inquiry focused on the mechanical failure of the engine's oil pressure system and the subsequent operational response. The investigation reviewed the aircraft's condition following the event and the circumstances surrounding the engine shutdown during the cruise phase.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a loss of oil pressure in the left engine.
- The pilot followed established procedures by shutting down the malfunctioning engine to prevent further damage.
- The flight was a non-scheduled ferry operation (transfer flight) under general aviation regulations.