Swearingen SA226T Merlin III crash, Apr 4, 1996, Ushuaia
Swearingen SA226T Merlin III accident on April 4, 1996 near Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina with no fatalities. Cause: Bird strike on final...
- Date: April 4, 1996
- Aircraft: Swearingen SA226T Merlin III
- Location: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
- Fatalities: 0
- Phase of flight: Approach and landing
- Cause: Bird strike on final approach that damaged the windshield and the left engine, followed by loss of control after landing.
An Alas del Sur Swearingen Merlin cargo flight from Rio Grande was on final approach to Ushuaia when it struck a flock of birds, breaking the windshield and losing power on the left engine. The crew continued the approach and landed, but after touchdown the aircraft went out of control and hit a snow bank. Both pilots escaped with minor injuries and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.