Engine failure and ditching of single-engine aircraft in Río de la Plata

No fatalities • Buenos Aires, Argentina • Flight

A single-engine aircraft performing a private flight from Don Torcuato to Punta del Este ditched in the Río de la Plata following engine issues.

What happened

A private flight departing from Don Torcuato Airport toward Punta del Este, Uruguay, resulted in an emergency water landing. The aircraft, operated by a single pilot and carrying four passengers, was approximately 15 minutes into its journey when the crew encountered mechanical difficulties. Despite favorable weather conditions during the cruise phase, the pilot notified air traffic control of engine problems and requested a diversion to Buenos Aires-Aeroparque-Jorge Newbury Airport.

During the attempt to reach the alternative destination, the aircraft was unable to sustain a safe altitude. Consequently, the pilot performed a ditching in the Río de la Plata, located roughly 28 km northeast of Buenos Aires. Emergency responders arrived at the scene promptly and successfully evacuated all five occupants. While there were no injuries reported among the crew or passengers, the aircraft was lost during the incident.

Probable cause

The aircraft was unable to maintain altitude following the onset of engine problems, necessitating an emergency ditching.

All Piper PA-46 Malibu/Meridian accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-09-28 Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident near Buenos Aires, Argentina?

A single-engine aircraft performing a private flight from Don Torcuato to Punta del Este ditched in the Río de la Plata following engine issues.

Were there any fatalities in the 2005-09-28 Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-09-28 involved a Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class), registration LV-WTU, operated by Private Argentina, at Buenos Aires, Argentina.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was unable to maintain altitude following the onset of engine problems, necessitating an emergency ditching.

Loading the flight search…