Accident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft departed Termas de Río Hondo Airport for a flight to Río Cuarto, carrying six passengers and one pilot. The occupants had attended a motorcycle Grand Prix in Termas de Río Hondo. Approximately 45 minutes into the flight, while cruising at 6,500 feet, the left engine failed.
Emergency Response
The pilot contacted air traffic control and received clearance to divert to Deán Funes Airfield. However, during the approach, the pilot determined that the aircraft could not reach the airfield and opted for an emergency landing on National Road 60 at kilometer marker 835.
Landing and Aftermath
After touching down on the road, the aircraft veered off the pavement, lost its nose landing gear, and came to rest in bushes. One passenger and the pilot sustained injuries; the other five occupants were unhurt. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Official Findings
The investigation identified several factors: failure of the left engine in cruising flight due to a malfunction in the fuel injection system connected to cylinder number 3; inadequate maintenance of the aircraft and engine, including non-compliance with service bulletins related to the injection system; the inability of the pilot to increase engine power because of high cylinder head temperature; degraded aircraft performance; a delayed decision by the pilot to attempt an emergency landing at dusk; and insufficient information regarding the procedure to feather the propeller.