What happened
On December 11, 2024, a Boeing 737-8(SH), registration LV-GFQ, was operating flight AR1879 from Ushuaia to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires. While the aircraft was in the cruise phase of the flight, the crew noticed that the VHF audio equipment control panel, located on the pedestal, was overheating. Shortly after this observation, smoke began to emanate from the equipment.
In response to the developing situation, the crew declared an emergency with air traffic services. They initiated a controlled descent and diverted the aircraft to the General Enrique Mosconi International Airport in Comodoro Rivacia, Chubut. The aircraft landed safely at the diversion airport without further incident.
The investigation
Following the landing, maintenance personnel inspected the cockpit to identify the source of the smoke. The investigation established that a short circuit within audio panel number 1 was the cause of the overheating and subsequent smoke.
To rectify the issue, technicians replaced the faulty panel in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) 23-51-02/401. Additionally, a conditional inspection for smoke presence in the cabin was performed per AMM 05-51-56-200-801, which revealed no further abnormalities. After the repairs, the aircraft was flown to Buenos Aires on a ferry flight.