What happened
On January 29, 2026, at 19:53 UTC, an Aerolíneas Argentinas Boeing 737-800, registered as LV-FQY, departed El Calafate Airport (SAWC) for Ushuaia. The aircraft was climbing toward flight level 330 when air traffic control cleared the crew to proceed direct to the DEVIS position.
One minute later, at 19:54 UTC, the crew reported a Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Resolution Advisory (RA). They stated they had executed an evasive maneuver in compliance with the system's instructions. Simultaneously, a private Cessna 182, registered as LV-FLK, was operating locally in the area.
The Cessna had reported its position at 19:47 UTC, indicating it was 19 nautical miles away on radial 240 at 5,600 feet. At that time, the pilot requested to return to the aerodrome and descend to circuit altitude. By 19:52 UTC, the Cessna crew had been authorized to join the basic segment of Runway 25 and was instructed to report final approach. The crew correctly acknowledged this authorization.
Preliminary information indicates that both aircraft followed converging trajectories within the terminal area, resulting in a loss of separation as defined by air traffic services. This proximity triggered the TCAS alert on the Boeing 737. Both crews reported maintaining visual contact with each other during the event.