Twin-Engine Cargo Aircraft Crashes Near Neuquén (LV-MOP)

Accident

On a night flight from Neuquén-Juan Domingo Perón Airport to Buenos Aires-Ezeiza Airport with an intermediate stop in Bahía Blanca, a twin-engine cargo aircraft operated on behalf of Encotesa lost control shortly after departure. The crew had just informed air traffic control about their estimated time of arrival in Bahía Blanca when communication was lost. The aircraft crashed approximately 4 kilometers northeast of the airport in the suburb of Chimpay, bursting into flames upon impact.

Aircraft and Crew

The aircraft was carrying two pilots and a cargo load that included polyethylene stored in several boxes. The pilots were identified as Horacio Ovidio Filippini and Valerio Augusto Diehl. Both were killed in the accident.

Investigation and Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the exact cause of the accident remains unclear. No distress call was made by the crew prior to the loss of control. It is believed that the accident was the consequence of a possible in-flight fire or toxic fumes emanating in the cabin, attributed to the presence of polyethylene stored in boxes that were not properly packed in accordance with dangerous goods transportation procedures.