TCAS Traffic Advisory Triggered During Descent in Misiones Airspace

Casualties unknown • Localidad Puerto Iguazu (Misiones), AR

A Boeing 737-800 operating a commercial flight experienced a TCAS Traffic Advisory due to a converging aircraft during its descent.

What happened

On November 26, 2021, at 16:20 UTC, a Boeing 738 operated by Flybondi Líneas Aéreas, registered as LV-HKN, was performing a descent within the SIS FIR. The aircraft was operating flight FO5120 from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (SABE) to Posadas International Airport (SARP). During the descent phase, the aircraft's Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) issued a Traffic Advisory (TA) signal.

The alert was triggered by the presence of another commercial aircraft, a Boeing 763 with registration N538LA, operated by LATAM Cargo. This second aircraft, flying flight 1504 from Guarulhos (SBGR) to Santiago (SCEL), was maintaining a cruise altitude between flight levels 320 and 330 near the BOKIL position. The encounter occurred while the Flybondi aircraft was transitioning through these altitudes.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the interaction between the two aircraft within the Misiones airspace. The JST examined the flight paths and the activation of the TCAS alert. The analysis confirmed that the alert was a result of a convergent flight path between the descending commercial flight and the cruising cargo flight. No damage to either aircraft was reported, and there were no injuries or fatalities associated with this event.

Probable cause

The TCAS Traffic Advisory was caused by the convergent flight paths of a descending commercial aircraft and a cruising cargo aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-11-26 BOEING Boeing B-738 accident near Localidad Puerto Iguazu (Misiones), AR?

A Boeing 737-800 operating a commercial flight experienced a TCAS Traffic Advisory due to a converging aircraft during its descent.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-11-26 involved a BOEING Boeing B-738, registration LV-HKN, operated by Aviación Comercial, at Localidad Puerto Iguazu (Misiones), AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The TCAS Traffic Advisory was caused by the convergent flight paths of a descending commercial aircraft and a cruising cargo aircraft.

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