Ezeiza: An error in the control tower almost caused two planes to collide

January 21, 2010  |   Filed under: Billboard  |   Posted by:

copa

An apparent flaw in the control tower at Buenos Aires-Ezeiza international airport nearly causes a plane to collide with a another which was.

National CivilAaviation authorities had to acknowledge the error that almost caused a tragedy unprecedented in our country: the collision of two airliners.

The incident occurred on January 13 when an Airbus A320 of LAN Argentina was at the runway and a group of engineers was testing the engines of the aircraft.

At the same time at the other end of the runway, a Copa Airlines jetliner was preparing to take off. The plane taxied down the runway and flew over the LAN, nearly 150 yards away,  in the eyes of the angry technicians who could not believe what had happened.

Both aircraft were authorized for their respective operations, which was a mistake, and that’s why now the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) is investigating causes and responsibilities.

Apparently the mistake was in the control tower, so that air traffic controlling staff have been temporarily removed from office until the investigation is concluded.

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