Air carrier Captain reported confusion with the setup of the special engine-out approach at SKRG; as there is some ambiguity that may lead to the use of the wrong VOR frequency and misidentification of the critical DME point.
Synopsis
Air carrier Captain reported confusion with the setup of the special engine-out approach at SKRG; as there is some ambiguity that may lead to the use of the wrong VOR frequency and misidentification of the critical DME point.
Narrative
The primary issue I identified was the setup of the special engine-out approach; specifically the use of two different VORs. While this might seem straightforward to some; it was not immediately clear to me during the preflight review a few days before my flight. This ambiguity poses a potential hazard; as pilots may inadvertently use the wrong VOR frequency and misidentify the critical 13 DME point; especially if the Flight Control Computer (FCC) switches sides or annunciators change unexpectedly.Detailed Observations: Engine-Out Navigation Setup: The Río Negro reference guide currently uses two different VOR frequencies. The special engine-out turn point could be misidentified. This setup increases the risk of confusion; particularly during high-stress or non-normal scenarios like engine-out operations. Threat is if you zoom in on the special engine-out procedure you may not notice the RNG VOR.I propose using KOXEV (13.4 DME from RNG VOR; altitude 7800 feet); a fix already established on the ILS Z Runway 01 missed approach; as the designated two engine-out turn point. This fix is consistent with the normal two-engine go-around procedure; reducing potential errors and simplifying the approach.Alternate Proposal: If using KOXEV is not feasible; I recommend creating a crossing radial off the MRN VOR. This would allow pilots to set up the backup frequency for MRN VOR and cross-check distances effectively.Risks with Current Setup: The use of two separate VOR frequencies in the sector increases the likelihood of errors. For instance; if a pilot inadvertently references the MRN VOR instead of RNG VOR; they could end up misidentifying the 13 DME ring and potentially flying dangerously close to terrain or directly into a box canyon unable to avoid terrain. This risk is exacerbated if the FCC or annunciator unexpectedly switches sides during the approach; leading to confusion about which radial or distance is being displayed. As with an engine fail; generator interruption would switch the FCC Master (MA) to the opposite side if it was on the side with the failed engine.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.