LATAM Airlines Airbus A320 Returns to Córdoba After Encountering Hail (CC-BFI)

Incident Overview and Location On November 12, 2018, at 20:10 local time (23:10 UTC), an incident occurred at the Aeropuerto Internacional Ing. Taravella in Córdoba, Argentina. The location is at coordinates 31º 18’ 36” S - 64º 12’ 30” W, with an elevation of 1,604 feet. The investigation was classified as an incident with international scope, and the responsible body was the JIAAC. ## Aircraft and Operation Details The aircraft involved was an Airbus A-320-214, operated by LATAM Airlines Group S.A. and owned by Gaviota Leasing Limited. The registration number was CC-BFI. The pilot in command held a TLA license. The operation was a regular commercial air transport with an international scope, originating from the Aeropuerto Internacional Ing. Taravella and destined for the Aeropuerto Internacional Arturo Merino Benitez in Santiago de Chile. ## Incident Description and Outcome During the initial climb phase, the aircraft encountered hail and subsequently returned to the departure airport. The meteorological conditions at the time were IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions). There were no injuries to the 174 people on board, and the aircraft sustained minor damage. The information published is of an informative nature and may be modified as the investigation progresses.