Casualties unknown

BAE 146-200 Maintenance Check Flight Incident at Arturo Merino Benítez Airport

AEROPUERTO “ARTURO MERINO BENÍTEZ”, CL

On January 5, 2025, a BAE 146-200 was involved in an aviation accident near AEROPUERTO “ARTURO MERINO BENÍTEZ”, CL. This summary draws on records from the Chilean Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC Chile).

Sourcesthe Chilean Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC Chile)Primary reportUpdated 2026-09-12Data APIEditorial standards

On January 5, 2025, a BAE 146-200 experienced repeated hydraulic failures during a maintenance check flight at SCEL. The aircraft skidded off the runway centerline after landing but came to a stop safely with no injuries.

Incident Overview

On January 5, 2025, at 14:06 local time, a British Aerospace BAE 146-200 (serial number E2094) was conducting a maintenance verification flight at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCEL) in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. The aircraft was operated by a two-person crew consisting of a captain and a first officer, both holding valid licenses and medical certifications for the type.

Operational Sequence

Following a normal takeoff from runway 17R, the aircraft received clearance to Flight Level 140. Shortly after, the crew encountered a "HIGH TEMP" failure in the green hydraulic system (HYD GREEN). This malfunction rendered the landing gear inoperable, disabled air brakes, slowed flap extension, and resulted in the loss of nose wheel steering control.

The flight crew applied Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures to recover the hydraulic system. Although the system was temporarily restored, the "HIGH TEMP" failure recurred while the aircraft was authorized for landing on runway 17R. Consequently, the crew initiated a go-around and notified air traffic control that the runway would be blocked upon their subsequent landing.

Landing and Aftermath

The aircraft landed with proper speed and alignment. However, after touchdown in the first third of runway 17R, the pilot reported significantly reduced braking efficiency. The aircraft began to drift left of the centerline, accompanied by a loss of directional control. The pilot activated the yellow emergency brake system.

The aircraft eventually came to a stop between taxiways U and W. Engines and the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) were shut down. All four occupants exited the aircraft safely via the forward fuselage door without injury.

Damage Assessment

Inspection revealed no visible damage to the fuselage, wings, control surfaces, or engines. The primary damage was concentrated on the main landing gear wheel assemblies. All four main tires exhibited wear, material loss, cuts, and tears in the tread area due to friction with the runway surface. The wheels themselves also showed signs of abrasion from contact with the pavement. The nose gear showed no such damage. Flight data and cockpit voice recorders were recovered for analysis.

Investigation report by the Chilean Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC Chile). Original record: https://www.dgac.gob.cl/informes-2025/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil (DGAC), Chile.