What happened
On April 3, 2023, a Cirrus SR22, registration LV-GZQ, was conducting a private flight from Corrientes International Airport (SARC) to San Fernando International Airport (SADF) in Argentina. At approximately 20:45 local time, while flying near Concordia, the pilot observed the low oil pressure/high oil temperature warning light illuminate on the instrument panel.
Following the aircraft's emergency procedures, the pilot declared an emergency with Ezeiza ACC. Because the nearby Concordia airport (SAAC) was closed for runway construction, air traffic controllers coordinated an emergency diversion to Salto International Airport (SUSO) in Uruguay. Although SUSO was closed for nighttime operations at the time, the airport manager and National Air Police personnel coordinated to activate the runway lights prior to the aircraft's arrival. The aircraft landed safely at 20:50 without further incident. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, and no damage was sustained by the aircraft or third parties.
The investigation
The CIAIA investigation examined the mechanical state of the aircraft, the operational response of air traffic services, and the availability of communication records. Technical inspections performed the following day by a maintenance organization utilized a pressure gauge to verify the engine's oil pressure. These tests confirmed that the pressure was within the manufacturer's recommended specifications for the Continental engine, and no mechanical fault was found to have caused the warning light.
Investigators also looked into the operational environment, noting that the lack of radar coverage in the northern region of Uruguay and the absence of communication recordings at Salto International Airport limited the ability to fully evaluate all associated risks during the investigation.