Investigation Summary
Flight 205 was a scheduled domestic service that had been delayed 35 minutes in Buenos Aires due to deteriorating weather at the destination. As the Curtiss C-46 Commando approached Mar del Plata, the crew faced significant navigational challenges: the airport's NDB was out of service, and visibility was severely restricted by rain and darkness. The aircraft crossed the runway threshold at an altitude of 85 meters (279 feet), which was too high for a safe landing, leading to an overshoot. The captain initiated a go-around, but during the transition back to flight, the aircraft stalled. The investigation highlighted that the pilot attempted to maintain visual flight in conditions that required strict instrument adherence. The resulting loss of control caused the aircraft to impact the Atlantic Ocean approximately 1.2 kilometers offshore. The sole survivor, Roberto Servente, spent four hours in the water before reaching land; he later became a director of the airline.
Final Conclusions
The investigation concluded the primary cause was the pilot's failure to follow established instrument flight procedures during a missed approach, instead attempting to continue via visual reference in unfavorable night weather. Contributing factors included the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airport, a 'temporarily confused mental state' during the critical situation, the non-functional radio beacon, poor airport lighting, and unsatisfactory dispatching by the operator.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Non-Directional Beacon (NDB)
A ground-based radio transmitter used for navigation; its failure at Mar del Plata forced the crew to rely on less precise methods during poor visibility.
Airport Lighting
The runway and approach lighting were reported as poor due to weather conditions, hindering the crew's ability to transition to visual flight.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a Curtiss C-46A-50-CU Commando, Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 30514, built in 1944.
- 02The airport's non-directional beacon (NDB) was non-functional at the time of the accident.
- 03The sole survivor, Roberto Servente, lived until 2014, reaching the age of 93.
- 04The investigation cited the pilot's 'temporarily confused mental state' as a contributing factor.
- 05The aircraft crashed into the sea approximately 0.75 miles (1.2 km) from the airport.
- 06The flight was carrying 5 crew members and 47 passengers.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Operational Dispatch Review
The investigation identified unsatisfactory dispatching as a factor, leading to recommendations for improved weather monitoring and flight planning for domestic operations.
Location
APPROXIMATE POSITION · AIRPORT LEVEL · Coordinates are the estimate published in the official investigation report. The ring shows the accuracy the record supports, not the point of impact.