Accident
Shortly after takeoff from San Fernando Airport in Buenos Aires, during initial climb, air traffic control contacted the pilot about an apparent transponder issue. The crew did not respond. A few seconds later, the twin-engine airplane entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed into a marshy area in the delta of Paraná de la Palmas. The wreckage was located on August 19 approximately 17 kilometers north of San Fernando Airport. The aircraft disintegrated upon impact, and all three occupants—pilot Matías Ronzano and passengers Emanuel Vega and Matías Aristi—were killed.
Investigation
The investigation identified several elements with potential impact on operational safety, including the absence of a TAWS system on the aircraft in non-conformity with established regulations, lack of effective means for the flight plan office to quickly determine aircraft operating restrictions, and shortcomings in the training of staff in air traffic service and search and rescue units.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was loss of control during climb due to the combination of the following factors: the particular characteristics of the aircraft; the attention required by the transponder as it was not displayed by air traffic control; the detour of the planned flight at the request of the inspection department of air traffic; aircraft trajectory management with autopilot switched off; the pilot's limited experience in instrument flight conditions. Additionally, the absence of additional instruction in the aircraft type (due to the lack of specific regulations) was considered a contributing factor.