No fatalities

1996-04-04: Swearingen SA226T Merlin III (LV-WLW) — Alas del Sur — Ushuaia, Argentina

Ushuaia, ArgentinaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 4, 1996, a Swearingen SA226T Merlin III (registration LV-WLW) operated by Alas del Sur was involved in an aviation accident near Ushuaia, Argentina during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Bird strike on final approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781207151Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine cargo aircraft on final approach to Ushuaia Airport struck a flock of birds, breaking the windshield and causing left engine power loss. The crew landed but lost control after touchdown, hitting a snow wall. Both pilots sustained minor injuries; the aircraft was written off.

Incident

A twin-engine cargo aircraft conducting an unscheduled cargo flight from Río Grande to Ushuaia Airport experienced a bird strike while on final approach. The impact shattered the windshield and caused the left engine to lose power. Despite the damage, the crew successfully continued the approach and executed a landing.

Sequence of Events

After touchdown, the aircraft veered out of control and collided with a snow wall adjacent to the runway. The pilots, who had been uninjured during the bird strike and landing, escaped with minor injuries. The aircraft sustained damage beyond economical repair.

Outcome

Both pilots were reported to have minor injuries. The aircraft, a twin-engine cargo type, was destroyed. No other injuries or fatalities were reported in the source. The accident remains under investigation by the relevant aviation authority.

Investigation

The official investigation identified the probable cause as a bird strike on final approach. No further details about contributing factors or recommendations were provided.