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12 fatalities

Fatal Beagle Canal Crash Involving Argentine Provincial Governor (LV-TDF)

Ushuaia, ArgentinaLanding (descent or approach)

On May 15, 1984, a Learjet 35 (registration LV-TDF) operated by Gobierno de Tierra del Fuego was involved in an aviation accident near Ushuaia, Argentina during landing or approach. 12 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the pilot-in-command may have suffered an optical illusion on final approach and continued the descent below MDA in marginal weather conditions until impact with water. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the Beagle Canal near Ushuaia in marginal weather, killing all 12 occupants, including the Governor of Tierra del Fuego.

Flight Details and Accident Sequence A twin-engine aircraft departed Buenos Aires-Aeroparque-Jorge Newbery Airport for Ushuaia, with an intermediate stop at Río Grande Airport. The flight carried two pilots and 10 passengers, including the Governor of the Province of Tierra del Fuego. After two passengers disembarked and two others boarded at Río Grande, the aircraft took off at 1638LT for the final leg to Ushuaia. During the approach to Ushuaia Airport, the crew encountered limited visibility due to snowfall. While on final approach in instrument meteorological conditions, the captain elected to continue under visual flight rules. The aircraft subsequently struck the water surface and crashed in the Beagle Canal, approximately 9 km east of the airport. The aircraft sank, and all 12 occupants were killed. ## Occupants The crew consisted of Mario Marconcini, pilot, and Rodolfo Pourrain, copilot. The passengers were: Ramón Alberto Trejo Noel, Governor of the Province of Tierra del Fuego; Mrs. Ofelia Olga Lisa, the Governor’s spouse; Dr. Ernesto Julio Löffler; Roberto Luis Campanella, Minister of Public Health and Social Action; Fernando Diego García, Minister of Economy; Ricardo Luis Sica, private secretary to the Governor; Guillermo Marcilese, General Secretary; Carlos Alberto Lisa, assessor; Nora Ormiston, assessor; and Pedro Alberto Altuna.

Probable cause

It is believed that the pilot-in-command may have suffered an optical illusion on final approach and continued the descent below MDA in marginal weather conditions until impact with water.
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 May 1984 Learjet 35 accident near Ushuaia, Argentina?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the Beagle Canal near Ushuaia in marginal weather, killing all 12 occupants, including the Governor of Tierra del Fuego.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 May 1984 Learjet 35 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 12 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 May 1984 involved a Learjet 35, registration LV-TDF, operated by Gobierno de Tierra del Fuego, at Ushuaia, Argentina.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It is believed that the pilot-in-command may have suffered an optical illusion on final approach and continued the descent below MDA in marginal weather conditions until impact with water.

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