What happened
On August 5, 2023, at approximately 20:10 UTC, a Luscombe 8-A aircraft, registration LV-NRF, was conducting a local recreational flight departing from the General Rodríguez aerodrome in Buenos Aires province. After taxiing and performing pre-flight checks, the aircraft began its initial climb. During this phase, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power. The crew immediately initiated an emergency landing in a nearby field adjacent to the aerodrome.
While the two occupants on board sustained minor injuries, the aircraft suffered significant structural damage. The impact resulted in a collapsed cockpit, damage to the engine cowling, and structural failure of the wing struts. Additionally, the right main landing gear partially detached, and the propeller was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the engine's performance and the environmental conditions during the pre-takeoff phase. Investigators noted that the engine had been running at low power for an extended period on the ground. This included time spent taxiing to refuel, returning to the hangar, and waiting at the runway threshold due to local traffic.
Technical analysis examined the use of the carburetor heat system. While the crew activated the heat system during the pre-takeoff checklist, the application was brief and intended only to verify the drop in RPM. The investigation also reviewed the instructional materials provided by the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) regarding carburetor icing risks.
Findings
- The meteorological conditions at the time of the accident presented a high probability of carburetor ice formation during low-power operations.
- The prolonged period of engine operation at low power on the ground, combined with specific weather conditions, created an environment conducive to ice accumulation.
- It is hypothesized that carburetor icing may have caused the sudden power loss, specifically through the shedding of accumulated ice into the engine during the climb.
- The investigation could not conclusively prove the physical presence of ice, but the environmental and operational factors strongly support the hypothesis.
Safety action
Following the identification of potential gaps in pilot training, a safety recommendation was issued to the ANAC. The recommendation advises deepening the instructional content regarding carburetor icing in pilot manuals, specifically emphasizing detection methods, operational risks, and prevention techniques for student pilots.