Incident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft experienced a loss of control during its takeoff roll on runway 19 at Mercedes Airport. According to the official investigation, the aircraft initially deviated to the right, then to the left, before veering off the runway. The aircraft subsequently lost its undercarriage and came to rest in bushed terrain, with its left wing partially torn off.
Occupants and Damage
All four occupants—including two passengers identified as Ricardo Casal, Minister of Justice and Security, and Maria del Carmen Falbo, Attorney—escaped uninjured. The aircraft, however, was damaged beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a loss of control during takeoff, resulting from the crew's decision to perform the operation outside of the procedures established in the flight manual. Contributing factors included the overconfidence of the crew and the operation of both engines at low regime.