Incident Overview
On 7 March 2018, at 11:10 local time, a Boeing MD-83 operated by Andes Líneas Aéreas, registration LV-BEG, departed from Gobernador Horacio Guzmán International Airport in Perico, Jujuy, on a scheduled commercial flight to Jorge Newbery Airport in Buenos Aires. While cruising at Flight Level 330, approximately 120 nautical miles from the Tucumán VOR, the flight crew observed a discrepancy in the engine oil level indicators and a reduction in oil pressure on the left engine. In response, the crew shut down the left engine and requested a diversion to the alternate airport, Teniente General Benjamín Matienzo International Airport in Tucumán. The crew executed the appropriate emergency checklists and informed passengers of a technical issue. The aircraft landed safely on runway 02 at 12:25 local time, and passengers disembarked without incident.
Technical Details
The incident involved a loss of oil from the lubrication system of the left engine. The specific component failure or malfunction that led to the oil loss was investigated by the Junta de Investigación de Accidentes de Aviación Civil (JIAAC). The investigation examined maintenance practices and system performance. No other damage was reported to the aircraft.
Previous Similar Incident
On 31 January 2018, at 19:27 local time, the same aircraft experienced a comparable issue during a non-regular flight from Florianópolis, Brazil, to Ingeniero Taravella International Airport in Córdoba. At cruise, approximately 140 nautical miles from the destination, the crew encountered a drop in oil pressure, this time on the right engine. The crew shut down the right engine and diverted to Córdoba.
Investigation and Recommendations
The JIAAC conducted a technical investigation and issued safety recommendations to Andes Líneas Aéreas and the Administración Nacional de Aviación Civil (ANAC). The investigation focused on the technical failure and standard maintenance practices.