Austral Líneas Aéreas Flight 046 crashes in Argentina
June 12th, 1988
June 12th, 1988

How Long Ago?
36 years, 9 months, 3 days ago
Location
Libertador General José de San Martín Airport, Argentina
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
Links & References
- McDonnell Douglas MD-80
- Austral Líneas Aéreas Flight 046
- Libertador General José de San Martín Airport
Tags
Austral Líneas Aéreas Flight 046 crashes in Argentina
Austral Líneas Aéreas Flight 046, operated by a McDonnell Douglas MD-81, encountered critical issues while approaching Libertador General José de San Martín Airport, leading to a crash short of the runway. All 22 individuals on board, including passengers and crew, perished in the incident. The flight, which originated from Buenos Aires, was scheduled to land on December 6. Investigations revealed that poor weather conditions contributed to the tragedy, highlighting concerns regarding aviation safety protocols at the time.
Flight 046 was operated by a McDonnell Douglas MD-81.
All 22 people on board were killed in the crash.
Poor weather conditions were a factor in the accident.
This incident led to safety improvements in aviation.
What Happened?
Austral Líneas Aéreas Flight 046, a scheduled domestic flight in Argentina, was a crucial transportation link connecting major cities. On that day, the flight, operated by a McDonnell Douglas MD-81, departed from Buenos Aires with plans to land at Libertador General José de San Martín Airport in Neuquén province. The flight was encountering adverse weather conditions, and as it approached the airport, the crew reported difficulties with their descent. Tragically, the aircraft crashed short of the runway, leading to the loss of all 22 people on board.
Rescue operations commenced immediately but were hampered by the challenging terrain and poor visibility. Recovery teams worked diligently to assess the site and document the wreckage. The investigation revealed that inadequate preparation for the weather and possible pilot error were significant factors that contributed to the crash. Subsequent evaluations of aviation safety regulations in Argentina pointed to a need for reexamining operational procedures, especially in poor weather conditions.
As investigations progressed, the findings prompted discussions about improving pilot training and emergency procedures within the airline industry. This tragic accident served as an impetus for a broader analysis of air traffic protocols throughout Latin America, highlighting the dangers pilots faced and illustrating the necessity of continued investment in aviation safety technologies.
Why Does it Matter?
The crash of Austral Líneas Aéreas Flight 046 is significant because it underscored the vulnerabilities in airline operations during challenging weather conditions, drawing attention to the importance of stringent safety measures. This incident contributed to reforms in aviation regulations in Argentina and surrounding regions, emphasizing the need for enhanced training and resource allocation.
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