Investigation Summary
The flight was a private charter returning to Argentina. Shortly after departing Runway 01 at Capitan de Corbeta Carlos A. Curbelo International Airport, the aircraft struggled to gain altitude and entered an aerodynamic stall. The crew consisted of a 45-year-old captain with approximately 10,000 flight hours and a 44-year-old co-pilot with 1,800 hours. Despite their experience, the investigation revealed that the aircraft was operated outside its certified envelope. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying unusually low before it struck the water approximately 500 meters from the shoreline. The impact occurred in a shallow area of the lagoon, which complicated initial rescue efforts due to the muddy terrain and the post-impact fire that consumed much of the fuselage. While initial theories considered engine malfunction, the investigation ruled out mechanical failure, determining that the engines were producing power. The focus shifted to the aircraft's overweight condition and the crew's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during the initial climb, leading to a loss of control. Maintenance records indicated the aircraft was airworthy, but the operational loading was the critical failure point.
Final Conclusions
The investigation by Uruguayan authorities (CIAIA) concluded that the primary cause was a loss of control during the initial climb (aerodynamic stall). Contributing factors included an overweight condition at takeoff and the crew's failure to follow standard operating procedures for maintaining safety speeds. Although the engines were found to be functional, the crew's actions suggested they may have mismanaged the climb profile in response to degraded performance caused by the weight and balance issues. The aircraft was found to be operating above its maximum certified takeoff weight, and the center of gravity was near or beyond the aft limit, which significantly degraded its stability and climb performance.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
PT6A-42 Engines
The turboprop engines were examined for signs of pre-impact failure; however, evidence suggested they were producing power at the time of impact.
Weight and Balance
The calculation of the aircraft's center of gravity and total mass, which was found to exceed safety limits.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was an Argentine-registered Beechcraft B200 King Air built in 2006.
- 02The passengers were employees of La Rural, an Argentine convention center company.
- 03The crash site was located in water only 50 to 80 centimeters deep.
- 04The investigation determined the aircraft was approximately 50 kilograms over its maximum takeoff weight.
- 05The aircraft's center of gravity was found to be outside the permissible limits, contributing to the stall.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Weight Management Oversight
Recommendations were made to charter operators to strictly enforce passenger and baggage weighing protocols rather than using estimated weights.