2 fatalities

2011-12-20: Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) (LV-WES) — Private Argentina — Las Varillas, Argentina

Las Varillas, ArgentinaFlight

On December 20, 2011, a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) (registration LV-WES) operated by Private Argentina was involved in an aviation accident near Las Varillas, Argentina in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control while in cruising altitude after the aircraft was flying in the vicinity of a multicell with convective activity, due to the combination of the following factors: Incorrect appreciation of the evolution of the meteorological conditions en… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781195085Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft on a night flight from Rosario to Córdoba crashed near Las Varillas, Argentina, killing both pilots. The plane entered an uncontrolled descent in poor weather and was destroyed.

Flight Details

On a return trip to Córdoba, a twin-engine aircraft departed Rosario-Islas Malvinas Airport at 2215 local time with two pilots on board. The flight was bound northwest at an altitude of 8,000 feet. Shortly after takeoff, the crew received clearance to descend to 6,000 feet.

Communications and Descent

At 2242 local time, the crew reported their position over Ubrel. The flight continued under normal conditions until approximately 2300 local time, when the aircraft was cruising in poor weather conditions.

Accident Event

While cruising, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and subsequently crashed in an open field located 6 km from Las Varillas. The wreckage was discovered the following morning. The aircraft was totally destroyed, and both occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be: Loss of control while in cruising altitude after the aircraft was flying in the vicinity of a multicell with convective activity, due to the combination of the following factors: Incorrect appreciation of the evolution of the meteorological conditions en route, Inadequate flight planning, Self-induced complacency, Inadequate risk assessment for meteorological hazards.