Incident Overview
On 15 February 2023, at 18:30 UTC, a Boeing 737-8BK, registration LV-FRK, was involved in an incident while operating scheduled commercial flight AR1688. The flight had originated from Aeropuerto Internacional Islas Malvinas and was destined for Aeropuerto Internacional de San Carlos de Bariloche. The aircraft was operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas.
Sequence of Events
Approximately 50 minutes after departure, during the cruise phase of flight, the crew detected smoke in the cockpit accompanied by an odor of electrical origin. In response, the crew decided to divert to the alternate airport, Aeropuerto Comandante Espora in Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires Province. A PAN PAN call was issued, and emergency services were requested. Prior to landing, the crew reported that the situation was under control.
Aircraft and Damage
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-8BK (serial number 411560), registration LV-FRK. The report indicates no damage to the aircraft.
Occupants and Injuries
The aircraft was carrying crew and passengers. The official report lists zero fatalities, zero serious injuries, and zero minor injuries. Data for those without injuries is marked as not specified.
Investigation
The Dirección Nacional de Investigación de Sucesos Aeronáuticos (JST) conducted a documentary investigation. The report noted that the circumstances and characteristics of the event were such that the lessons expected would not generate an impact for the improvement of operational safety in the State. Consequently, the case was transferred for archiving.
Findings
No probable cause was determined, as the investigation was limited to documentary review and no causal analysis was performed.