Incident Overview
On October 1, 2019, at 11:45 UTC, a Grumman Schweizer G-164-A aircraft, registration LV-FUD, departed from Villa Dolores aerodrome in Córdoba for a general aviation training flight. After approximately 30 minutes of visual flight conditions, during a practice pass (melga), the engine experienced a power loss characterized by a drop in revolutions. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude or return to the departure aerodrome, prompting an emergency landing in an unprepared field.
Emergency Landing and Damage
The chosen field had been recently harvested, with furrows approximately 40 cm deep and 60 cm apart. Because workers were present in other fields, the pilot had to land with the furrows oriented 90 degrees to the direction of travel. Upon touchdown, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft overturned. The aircraft came to rest after traveling about 45 meters from the initial point of contact. Substantial damage occurred.
Investigation Findings
Technical analysis of the carburetor, conducted by the laboratory of the former JIAAC (Junta de Investigación de Accidentes de Aviación Civil), revealed no evidence of a specific component failure that would explain the power loss. However, advanced general deterioration due to sediment buildup was noted, consistent with extended service intervals between inspections.
Fuel and oil samples taken at the accident site were tested. The oil (SAE 20W50) was found to be in usable condition. The fuel, identified as AV-GAS 100LL, exhibited contamination with synthetic particles of a size that posed a risk of blocking fuel system circuits. The presence of such particles indicated the fuel was not suitable for use.
Analysis and Conclusions
The evidence indicated that the engine power loss likely resulted from fuel starvation caused by obstruction of the engine fuel filter due to contaminated fuel. The insufficient fuel supply led to carburetor malfunction and a drop in revolutions, preventing the aircraft from maintaining flight. The subsequent emergency landing in a field with perpendicular furrows caused the landing gear collapse and overturn.
The investigation concluded that the engine power loss was due to carburetor fuel starvation resulting from contaminated fuel containing synthetic particles. The aircraft was operated by a private owner for training purposes. No injuries were reported; the pilot was uninjured.