What happened
On April 6, 2022, a VANS RV-10, registration PP-ZRT, departed from El Calafate International Airport for Trelew International Airport as part of a recreational flight involving two other aircraft. During the flight, the aircraft was operating at flight level 140 amidst adverse weather conditions.
At approximately 15:55 UTC, the aircraft's last known position was recorded 30 nautical miles north of Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut. Following this period, the aircraft lost all radar contact and radio communications with the Comodoro Rivadavia Area Control Center (ACC) and the other aircraft in the formation. Despite the activation of search and rescue procedures, the aircraft and its occupants have not been located.
The investigation
The investigation by the JST examined the flight's progression, the meteorological conditions, and the performance of air traffic services. Investigators reviewed communications between the aircraft and various towers, including El Calafate and Trelew. Notably, the aircraft had reported a deviation to the right due to ice formation shortly before the loss of contact.
The inquiry also scrutinized the operational procedures at the Comodoro Rivadavia ACC. While the air traffic controllers were undergoing periodic training, the investigation identified a lack of specific validation exams regarding emergency procedures, such as the timely activation of emergency phases.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in adverse meteorological conditions involving icing.
- There was a lack of active surveillance and a delay in the activation of emergency phases by air traffic control.
- Air traffic controllers lacked specific validation of training regarding emergency procedures and the detection of anomalous situations.
- There was an opportunity to improve the frequency of communications during high-risk weather conditions to ensure better tracking of aircraft.