The pilot of the controversial plane that allegedly carried suspicious cargo to Argentina has provided a detailed testimony. Juan Pablo Pinto clarifies the flight's details, the cargo, and the customs procedures upon arrival, aiming to dispel rumors surrounding the incident. His account includes specifics about the flight path, the passengers, and the items carried, emphasizing compliance with regulations and the normalcy of the customs process.
In recent weeks, a plane arriving in Argentina has sparked significant controversy, with allegations of carrying ten suitcases filled with money or espionage equipment. This incident has led to a judicial investigation, and the pilot of the aircraft, Juan Pablo Pinto, has come forward to clarify the details surrounding the flight.
The aircraft in question, registered as N18RU, arrived in Argentina on February 26, 2025, and remained in transit until March 5, 2025. The judicial investigation is being overseen by Judge Pablo Yadarola, with Prosecutor Claudio Navarrial and Sergio Rodríguez from the Procaduría Investigaciones Administrativas involved in the case. The investigation was initiated following a complaint from Juan Paso, the head of Arca.
Juan Pablo Pinto, a commercial pilot with 27 years of experience, has provided a detailed written statement to clarify the circumstances of the flight. He emphasizes that the flight from Miami to Buenos Aires was direct, lasting approximately 8 hours and 40 minutes, without any stops at other destinations.
Pinto's declaration includes specific details about the flight:
He asserts that the flight adhered to all regulations and that the boarding process was conducted normally, with no irregularities noted.
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, customs and PCA personnel met the aircraft. Pinto was the first to disembark and attended to the customs officials who conducted an inspection of the plane. He noted that two vehicles from customs arrived to assist with the process.
Pinto detailed the cargo on board, stating that there were two suitcases left in transit, intended for a subsequent flight to Paris. The passengers included:
In total, Pinto accounted for seven pieces of luggage, while the other passengers contributed to the total count of items handled during customs.
Pinto's testimony aims to counter the rumors circulating in the media regarding the nature of the cargo. He insists that all items brought into Argentina were personal belongings and that the customs process was conducted without any issues. He also provided photographic evidence to support his claims, including images of the luggage and the inspection process.
Among the items mentioned, Pinto highlighted:
Juan Pablo Pinto's detailed declaration sheds light on the events surrounding the controversial flight to Argentina. His account emphasizes compliance with aviation regulations and the normalcy of the customs procedures followed upon arrival. As the investigation continues, Pinto's testimony will be crucial in clarifying the circumstances of this incident and addressing the public's concerns regarding the allegations made against the flight.
