What happened
On August 27, 2018, a Dassault Falcon 2000LXS, registration N327LX, was conducting a local demonstration flight at San Fernando International Airport in Buenos Aires. After completing approximately one hour of flight time, the aircraft returned to the airport and landed without incident.
During the subsequent taxi toward a private hangar, the crew attempted to navigate a turn between taxiway Alpha (A) and taxiway H15. In an effort to avoid a parked Canadair CL-600 Challenger that was obstructing the taxiway centerline, the pilot initiated an early turn to stay to the left of the centerline. This maneuver caused the aircraft to exit the paved surface, resulting in the left main landing gear sinking into the adjacent grass area. The excursion caused minor damage to the aircraft and damaged taxiway lighting cabling, taking the lights out of service.
The investigation
The investigation examined the taxiway geometry and the coordination between air traffic services and private hangar operations. Investigators found that the aircraft's systems and steering commands were functioning normally. Evidence from site photographs confirmed that a Challenger CL-600 was indeed positioned in a way that obstructed the standard taxi path for the N327LX.
Further examination revealed that the crew was not in communication with the personnel at the destination hangar and had received no prior warning regarding the parked aircraft. Additionally, while the hangar operator utilized a third-party service for ground handling, the contracted services did not include the provision of marshals to assist with taxi maneuvers on the ramp.
Findings
- The pilot performed an early turn to avoid a stationary Challenger CL-600.
- The crew lacked communication with the destination hangar staff regarding ramp conditions.
- There was no marshal present to guide the aircraft during the maneuver due to the outsourcing of ground services.
- The airport lacks a formal manual for operations on commercial and private ramps.
- Air traffic control services at the airport do not oversee movements within private ramps.
Safety action
To improve operational safety, the investigation suggests the development of standardized procedures for maneuvering within both commercial and private ramp areas. Furthermore, the implementation of effective communication methods between arriving aircraft, air traffic control, and private hangar personnel is necessary to coordinate movements and warn of potential obstructions.