What happened
On September 13, 2018, a Cessna 525, registration LV-GVQ, was taxiing from parking position 2B toward the runway at San Fernando International Airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina. While attempting a right-hand turn toward the taxiway, the aircraft struck a parked Bombardier Aerospace Learjet LJ-45, registration LV-GQM, located at position 3. The incident occurred during daylight hours under favorable meteorological conditions. Both aircraft sustained significant damage during the impact, though there were no injuries to the crews involved.
The investigation
The investigation focused on why the Cessuna 525 was unable to complete its turn without deviating into the parked aircraft. The crew of LV-GVQ reported that they detected a failure in the braking system during the maneuver. This failure prevented the pilot from executing a 180-degree turn using the brakes, resulting in a wide arc that led to the collision.
Investigators examined the braking system of LV-GVQ and found no mechanical anomalies or functional defects during testing. However, it was discovered that the fuse controlling the brake system had been removed days prior during maintenance of the communications equipment. On the day of the incident, the pilot was performing administrative duties while the co-pilot prepared the aircraft. The crew failed to notice that the fuse was missing or that the "PWR BRK LOW PRESS" warning light was illuminated on the annunciator panel.
Findings
- The primary cause of the collision was that the brake system was de-energized because the corresponding fuse was disconnected.
- The crew did not follow established flight manual procedures, specifically failing to use the pre-taxi checklists to verify the warning panel and brake functionality.
- The crew did not utilize the aircraft's available emergency pneumatic braking system during the maneuver.
- The operation was conducted without a signal person (marshaller), which is required by the airport's taxiing and parking regulations.
Safety action
Following the investigation, recommendations were made for the aircraft operator to intensify pilot training regarding the strict use of checklists to prevent operational omissions. Additionally, the San Fernando Airport authority was advised to ensure that the airport concessionaire enforces the use of signal persons for all aircraft movements in and out of parking positions.