Incident Overview
On 10 July 2018, a Boeing 737-800 with registration LV-CBF, operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas, was preparing for a domestic commercial flight from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires. The aircraft was cleared to line up and hold on Runway 31, and subsequently received takeoff clearance. As the crew initiated the takeoff roll, they sighted an Embraer 190 (LV-GIK) being towed across the runway at taxiway 3W. The towing aircraft was not in communication on the tower frequency. The crew executed a rejected takeoff at low speed, and the tower controller also instructed them to abort.
Investigation Findings
The incident was classified as a serious runway incursion. No damage was reported to either aircraft. The investigation determined that the Embraer 190 (LV-GIK), owned by Austral, was being towed from the industrial apron to the commercial apron. The tow operator had requested and received clearance from the surface frequency controller to start the tow, with the restriction that crossing the runway required clearance on the main tower frequency. The operator acknowledged the instruction but then crossed the runway without contacting the main frequency.
Approximately two months before the incident, on 28 May 2018, a new procedure for runway crossings had taken effect at Aeroparque. The procedure required tow operators to obtain authorization on the surface frequency for taxiing up to the runway hold line, then switch to the main tower frequency for crossing clearance. Training on the new procedure was provided on 18 June 2018, with a second session scheduled for 27 July 2018. The mechanic involved in the towing operation stated that he had not performed a runway crossing in two months and was unaware that the new procedure had been implemented. He believed that the surface frequency controller could authorize the entire movement.
Sequence of Events
At 22:57 UTC, the tower controller cleared the Boeing 737 to line up and hold on Runway 31. After approximately one minute, the controller issued takeoff clearance, which the crew acknowledged. As the aircraft accelerated, the crew saw the Embraer 190 crossing the runway at taxiway 3W and immediately rejected the takeoff. The tower controller concurrently instructed the Boeing to abort. After the event, the tower controller attempted to contact the towing aircraft on the main frequency but received no response. The surface frequency controller then contacted the tow operator, who apologized for the error.