Factual Information
Flight Information
A serious incident occurred on 9 October 2024 at approximately 19:00 local time (UTC-3) at Carrasco International Airport (SUMU), Canelones, Uruguay, involving two private aircraft: a Beechcraft V35B, registration CX-MCB, and an Augusta-Bell AB139 (later identified as AgustaWestland AB139), registration LV-KJB.
The Beechcraft V35B was on a private flight from a ranch in the Salto Department, Uruguay, to SUMU. The helicopter was on a flight from SABE (Aeroparque, Buenos Aires, Argentina) to SUMU, transporting one passenger. Both aircraft were scheduled to arrive near 19:00.
Occurrence Sequence
During the final approach to runway 07, the aircraft communicated with SUMU tower. CX-MCB was number 1 in sequence. The tower asked LV-KJB if it had the airplane in sight; the pilot confirmed. LV-KJB was then instructed to follow as number 2, adjusting distance behind number 1.
At 18:58, both aircraft were at an altitude of 1,000 feet. The helicopter was approaching the runway 07 threshold from the northwest, perpendicular to the runway, while the airplane was established on final approach. The minimum distance between them was 0.2 nautical miles (370 meters) at the crossing of their trajectories at the same altitude. The pilot of the Beechcraft performed an evasive maneuver to avoid a collision. Both aircraft subsequently landed without further issues.
Personnel Information
CX-MCB Pilot: Male, Uruguayan, born 15 June 1986, held a Private Pilot License with single-engine airplane ratings. Total flight time 267 hours, with 260 hours on the Beechcraft V35B. He was familiar with operations at SUMU. He notified the JIAIAC of the incident the following day.
LV-KJB Pilot: Male, Argentine, born 28 April 1967, held a Commercial Helicopter Pilot License with instrument, night, and instructor ratings. Total flight time 3,505 hours, with 45 hours on the AB139. He was not familiar with SUMU.
Air Traffic Control: At the time of the incident, a controller shift change was in progress. The personnel and shift change were compliant with applicable regulations.
Aircraft Information
Beechcraft V35B (CX-MCB): Manufactured by Beech Aircraft Corp., serial number D-10172, built 24 October 1969. Airworthiness certificate valid until 11 November 2027. Category: commercial air transport (according to source). Retractable landing gear. Owner: private Uruguayan. Engine: Continental IO-520-BA; propeller: Hartzell PHC-C3YF-1FR.
AgustaWestland AB139 (LV-KJB): No further details provided in the source beyond the model and registration.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were reported. Both pilots and occupants (1 pilot, 2 passengers on CX-MCB; 1 pilot, 1 passenger on LV-KJB) were uninjured and left the aircraft by themselves. No damage to either aircraft occurred. No fire.
Meteorological and Environmental Conditions
The incident occurred during daylight at dusk, with favorable weather conditions.