Aircraft Crash at San Fernando Airport: Preliminary Report Reveals Key Failures
A Bombardier Challenger 300, registered LV-GOK, veered off the runway at San Fernando International Airport in Buenos Aires, resulting in a fire and the loss of both crew members. The preliminary report by the Transportation Safety Board (JST) highlights significant approach differences, delayed rescue response, and infrastructure deficiencies, with the final report expected in late 2025
On December 18, 2024, a Bombardier Challenger 300, registered LV-GOK and operated by New Lines S.A., suffered an accident after landing at San Fernando International Airport in Buenos Aires. The aircraft veered off the runway, coming to rest outside the aerodrome’s boundaries and catching fire. Tragically, both crew members lost their lives.
Preliminary Findings
According to the preliminary report by the Transportation Safety Board (JST), the aircraft’s final approach showed “significant differences” compared to its last 10 landings. Data from the ADS-B system revealed “notable differences in altitude and alignment” during the descent, potentially leading to a loss of control and subsequent runway excursion.
Delayed Rescue Response
The report highlights several issues with the Airport Fire and Rescue Service (SSEI). The response time was deemed excessive: “From the moment the aircraft began the runway excursion (+0:00) to the arrival of ARFF and support vehicles at taxiway Charlie, 2 minutes and 38 seconds elapsed,” the report notes. Additionally, the extinguishing agent was applied 4 minutes and 37 seconds after the excursion began, insufficiently covering the central area of the aircraft and complicating fire control.
Obstacles in the SSEI area further hindered operations. “Unused aircraft obstructed the rapid transit of fire trucks,” delaying the rescue vehicles’ arrival. Water refilling stations also lacked adequate pressure for quick tank recharge, exacerbating the challenges faced by the rescue team.
Infrastructure Deficiencies
The airport’s infrastructure deficiencies compounded the slow response. “Water refueling connections lacked sufficient pressure for quick tank recharges,” the report states. Moreover, fire trucks were unable to cross an open drainage ditch in the intervention area, as “none of the operational vehicles had sufficient fording capability.”
Next Steps
The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) are currently being analyzed, and the final report will include this data along with key findings about the crew, aircraft, and airport infrastructure. The report, as per ICAO Annex 13, is expected to be released approximately one year after the accident.
Comentarios
Para comentar, debés estar registrado
Por favor, iniciá sesión