Austral Líneas Aéreas, a domestic airline of Argentina, the sister company of Aerolíneas Argentinas has summoned two of its Argentinian pilots. What happened? On final approach towards Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport, Argentina they noticed fireworks above the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, also referred to as the River Plate stadium. The fireworks show is a tradition before every game, and that evening with more importance as it was a game between River Plate and Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores Semi final.
While the aircraft was approaching the runway, on auto-pilot, both pilots were filming the fireworks above the stadium (approximately 400 meters from the glide path). None of the pilots seemed to be paying attention to the instruments and the upcoming landing.
The video went viral on social media, but – next to a lot of “hits” – the pilots will have some headaches as they now have to provide text and explanation to their employer Austral. The company will conduct an investigation, but according to sources within the company it is unlikely that the pilots will be sanctioned.
Everyone knows I love a great flightdeck video. It would be very easy to pass judgement on this approach. What I will say is….I would have waited as the fireworks present a real risk. Also it would have prevented potential “distractions”. Your thoughts? pic.twitter.com/g8PhA8koSt
— Scott Bateman MBE (@scottiebateman) October 3, 2019
This was the only airline where I witnessed how they took off while the video emergency briefing was still in progress!
Not Ezeiza Airport. They are landing at the domestic airport Aeroparque Jorge Newbery.
Remember that Buenos Aires have 3 commercial airports.
Are you sure?