Fiery Plane Crash in Argentina: Two Pilots Lost in Runway Mishap

Mar, 21 2025

Tragedy struck on December 18, 2024, when a private jet crash resulted in the death of two pilots near San Fernando Airport in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The plane crash involved a Bombardier Challenger 300, identified by registration LV-GOK, which overshot the runway as it attempted to land around 1:18 PM local time. This catastrophic event not only led to a fiery impact with residential buildings but also alarmed the local community.

Pilots Martín Fernández Loza, aged 44, and 35-year-old Agustín Oforte were at the helm of the ill-fated flight, both of whom tragically lost their lives in the incident. Thankfully, there were no reported casualties on the ground, as the homes severely affected were unoccupied during the time of the crash.

Course of Events

The aircraft, on its journey from Punta del Este, Uruguay, had previously stopped over in Rio de Janeiro before meeting its untimely end. Investigations are currently looking into the possibility of a brake failure, which might have contributed to the aircraft's inability to stop upon landing. Despite the investigation being in its early stages, this factor is being scrutinized closely as a potential cause.

The Challenger 300 is generally known for its reliability in the realm of private aviation, which makes this incident particularly alarming. It’s owned by the family of Jorge Brito, a well-known figure in Argentina who once served as president of the River Plate football club. This adds another layer to the incident, drawing further public attention.

Response and Impact

Local emergency services, comprising the Airport Security Police (PSA), provincial police, and firefighters, swiftly responded to the disaster scene. The fire that ensued, spreading rapidly to neighboring properties, required a substantial firefighting effort to bring under control. Witnesses described hearing multiple explosions and observed extensive fire damage in the aftermath of this accident.

The crash occurred on the airport's fifth runway, where the jet made its fateful error. Remarkably, despite the large conflagration and the severity of the crash, no additional fatalities were recorded beyond the two pilots. Its prevention of casualties on the ground, largely owed to the fact that none of the affected homes were occupied, stands as a rare point of relief amidst this grim situation.

As the investigation continues, authorities and aviation experts aim to decode the exact chain of events leading up to and causing this tragic private jet accident. The discovery of the root cause will hopefully inform future preventive measures, reducing the chance of similar accidents down the line.