# Abandoned aircraft investigation in Santiago del Estero

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/abandoned-aircraft-investigation-in-santiago-del-estero
> Updated: 2026-08-19T13:40:50.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2.

Federal authorities in Santiago del Estero are investigating the discovery of an abandoned aircraft in a remote wetland area near Los Porongos. Two pilots were rescued from the site via helicopter.

Investigators are looking into potential links to drug trafficking due to several irregularities. While no narcotics were found, officials discovered large fuel canisters, food remains, and large plastic sheeting. The aircraft featured conflicting identification, with an Argentine registration (LV-JIR) on the exterior and a Bolivian registration (CP-3889) inside. Additionally, the engine number appears to have been tampered with. Federal Judge Guillermo Molinari is leading the inquiry to determine the aircraft’s origin and the circumstances of its arrival.

## Claims

- Airport Security Police (PSA) seized several pieces of apparent fossil material at Santiago del Estero airport. (single source)
- The seizure occurred on Wednesday, August 19, involving a passenger traveling to Buenos Aires. (single source)
- Preliminary visual observations suggest some pieces may be a giant sloth claw. (single source)
- Other fragments show characteristics compatible with glyptodont bone plates. (single source)
- The identification remains preliminary pending specialist paleontological studies. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Aeroparque Jorge Newbery to close for 55 hours for runway maintenance

Aeroparque Jorge Newbery will close for 55 hours from August 25 to 27 for runway maintenance, affecting 900 flights which will be rescheduled or diverted to Ezeiza International Airport.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santiago-del-estero-airport-seizure-of-suspected-prehistoric-fossils

### 2026-08-11: Santiago del Estero authorities investigate abandoned aircraft

Authorities in Santiago del Estero are investigating an abandoned aircraft found in a wetland, citing suspicious registration discrepancies and potential links to drug trafficking.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santiago-del-estero-authorities-investigate-abandoned-aircraft

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Cite as: Abandoned aircraft investigation in Santiago del Estero. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/abandoned-aircraft-investigation-in-santiago-del-estero