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.