What happened
On April 15, 2018, at approximately 16:00 local time, an ATR 72-600, registered LV-GUG, was performing a scheduled commercial flight from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires to Astor Piazzolla Airport in Mar del Plata. While the aircraft was in its approach phase, it encountered a convergence situation with another aircraft operating at the same flight level. This resulted in a loss of separation between the two aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the JIAAC, focused on the circumstances surrounding the approach to Mar del Plata. The inquiry examined the flight path and the operational environment at the time of the incident to determine how the two aircraft arrived at the same altitude on converging paths. The investigation confirmed that the event occurred during a regular commercial operation within Argentine airspace.
Findings
- The primary factor in the incident was a convergence with another aircraft traveling on a intersecting path.
- Both aircraft were operating at the same flight level during the approach phase.
- The incident took place within the controlled airspace of the Mar del Plata terminal area.