What happened
On March 21, 2025, an Embraer ERJ190, registration LV-CIH, operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas S.A., was performing a scheduled commercial flight from Santa Rosa to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires. During the approach phase of the flight, the crew identified fluctuating vibration indications originating from the number two engine.
As the aircraft transitioned into its descent with the thrust lever at the idle position, the vibration levels reached a range requiring operational caution. While the crew did not cease the operation of the engine, they declared an emergency to manage the situation. The aircraft landed safely at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, after which the engine was shut down. Passengers were disembarked at the terminal without further incident or injury.
The investigation
A desk investigation was conducted to examine the technical cause of the vibration. Maintenance inspections were performed on March 22, 2025, focusing on the fan section, the booster inlet, and the final stage of the low-pressure turbine of the number two engine. These visual inspections revealed no structural damage or evidence of mechanical failure.
However, technicians identified that several engine connectors—specifically E91, P45, and P66—showed signs of contamination. Maintenance crews cleaned these components to resolve the issue.
Findings
- The primary cause of the vibration indications was contamination found on engine electrical connectors (E91, P45, and P66).
- No physical damage was found within the engine's fan, booster, or low-pressure turbine stages.
- The aircraft was returned to service following the cleaning of the affected connectors.