What happened
On December 13, 2025, an Embraer ERJ190 operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas as flight AR1603 was on approach to runway 31 at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires. The aircraft originated from Mar del Plata and was descending under visual meteorological conditions during daylight hours. As the jet crossed 1,300 feet, the crew received a TCAS traffic advisory. Shortly after, at 1,100 feet, the system issued a resolution advisory (RA). In response, the flight crew executed the prescribed escape maneuver to join a new approach circuit. Following this procedure, the aircraft landed normally without incident.
The investigation
The Junta de Seguridad en el Transporte (JST) conducted a desk investigation into this air traffic occurrence, classified as an event without safety effect. The inquiry focused on the activation of the TCAS RA and the surrounding operational context. Evidence indicated that a helicopter, authorized by the Aeroparque tower, crossed behind the inbound jet. Despite this proximity, investigators determined there were no converging headings or loss of separation that would have placed either aircraft at risk. The TCAS system activated autonomously, and the crew’s actions aligned with standard operating procedures for such alerts.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the event was the presence of a helicopter crossing the flight path of the approaching commercial jet. The JST concluded that no other variables affected operational safety. There were no fatalities or injuries reported, and the aircraft sustained no damage. The investigation found that the crew responded correctly to the automated alert, and the system functioned as designed without indicating an actual collision threat.