Lago Argentino - Río Gallegos

On November 23, 1998 at 02:45 PM, Lago Argentino - Río Gallegos experienced a crash involving Swearingen SA226 Metro II, operated by Kaikén Linéas Aéreas, with the event recorded near Río Gallegos Santa Cruz.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

7 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 7 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 2, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 5, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is technical failure. After takeoff from Lago Argentino Airport, a red warning light came on in the cockpit panel, informing the crew about the incomplete retraction of the left main gear. The crew proceeded to a visual inspection and after confirmation that the left main gear was properly secured in its wheel well, the crew decided to continue to Río Gallegos. On approach, the left main gear did not deploy. After the crew failed to extend it manually, he raised the other landing gear and completed a belly landing. On short final, just prior to flare, both engines were shut down and their propellers were feathered. The aircraft landed on its belly, slid for few dozen metres and came to rest. All seven occupants escaped uninjured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Aircraft reference details include registration LV-WDV, MSN TC-271, year of manufacture 1978.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately -51.6166°, -69.2090°.