What happened
A twin-engine aircraft departed Mendoza-El Plumerillo on a ferry flight destined for Buenos Aires-Aeroparque-Jorge Newbury Airport. The flight was operated with two pilots on board. Following takeoff, air traffic control cleared the crew to climb to 7,000 feet and proceed east via airway W9. Approximately 20 minutes after departure, while cleared to descend to FL55, the crew detected smoke inside the cabin.
Believing the smoke originated from beneath the instrument panel, the crew deployed a fire extinguisher. However, the smoke continued to permeate the cabin. After notifying air traffic control of the emergency, the crew lowered the aircraft's altitude to attempt an emergency landing. The pilots extended the landing gear but were unable to use flaps for the approach. The aircraft touched down in an open field, performing a flapless landing. After rolling for several dozen meters, the plane came to a stop and caught fire. The aircraft was destroyed by the subsequent flames, though both pilots managed to evacuate the wreckage without injury.
Findings
- The crew identified smoke in the cabin during the descent phase.
- An attempt to suppress the smoke with an onboard extinguisher was unsuccessful.
- The emergency landing was conducted in an open field without the use of flaps.