Incident Overview
On November 20, 2025, at 19:33 UTC, a Boeing 737-800 with registration LV-GKU, operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas, experienced a bird strike on the number 1 engine during the landing phase at Aeropuerto Aviador Carlos Campos in San Martín de los Andes, Neuquén Province, Argentina. The aircraft was operating scheduled passenger flight ARG1654 from Buenos Aires/Aeroparque (AEP) to Chapelco Airport (CPC), with a flight duration of approximately two hours.
Sequence of Events
Despite the bird strike, the flight crew continued the landing and taxied the aircraft to the apron without further incident. Passengers disembarked normally, and no injuries or emergency situations were reported. Airport personnel subsequently conducted a runway inspection and found bird remains on the runway.
Inspection and Findings
A boroscopic inspection of the affected engine revealed damage to a first-stage compressor blade. The damage was confined to the compressor section and confirmed the need for technical intervention to ensure the propulsion system's integrity and reliability.
Corrective Actions
Maintenance personnel replaced the entire number 1 engine in accordance with the aircraft maintenance manual (AMM 71-00-02 PB 401 Rev 88). After completing corrective tasks and required verifications, the aircraft was declared airworthy and returned to service on November 30, 2025.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The Boeing 737-800, serial number 60493, sustained minor damage. The pilot-in-command, a 47-year-old male holding an airline transport pilot license, and the co-pilot, a 43-year-old male also holding an ATPL, were both licensed in Argentina.
Operator and Flight Details
The flight was operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas as a scheduled commercial air transport passenger service. The aircraft was operating under a private owner type of operation (as noted in the report).