What happened
On the night of 18 May 2011, a scheduled flight operated by an unnamed airline departed from Neuquén International Airport (NQN) at 23:05. The flight, designated OSL5428, was the final leg of a multi-stop journey that had previously included stops in Rosario, Córdoba, and Mendoza, with the ultimate destination being Comodoro Rivadavia International Airport (CRD). The aircraft, a Saab 340A with registration LV-CEJ, was carrying a crew consisting of a pilot, a co-pilot, and cabin crew members, along with 19 passengers.
During the initial climb toward the planned flight level of 19,000 feet, the flight crew maintained a steady ascent along airway T 105. After approximately 24 minutes of flight, the aircraft leveled off at 17,800 feet. At this altitude, the crew encountered icing conditions, prompting a descent to 14,00-foot flight level. As the aircraft transitioned to the lower altitude, the meteorological conditions deteriorated, leading to severe icing. After two minutes of level flight under these conditions, the aircraft experienced a total loss of lift and subsequent loss of control. The aircraft entered an abnormal flight attitude and plummeted into the ground, resulting in a post-impact fire. There were 22 fatalities and no survivors.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered worsening meteorological conditions during the descent.
- Severe icing accumulation led to a complete loss of aerodynamic lift and loss of control.