The Fatal accident at Jorge Chávez International Airport (IATA: LIM , ICAO: SPJC) in Callao , Peru has raised multiple questions involving safety and co-ordination lapses and the sad part is — the accident killed at least two firefighters.
Background is, LATAM Airlines flight LA 2213 , that was scheduled to operate Lima – Juliaca route, was collided by a fire truck that entered the runway during its takeoff run, at the Jorge Chávez International Airport on 18th of November . There are no fatalities among the 102 passengers and 6 crew.
The matter of concern now is — the flight crew of LATAM Airlines flight LA 2213 were held in custody just after they escaped a terrific accident , and the act definitely demands answer from the competent authorities involved in this.
In a press release , the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) said , holding the pilots in custody who are already under intense psychological pressure is unacceptable and the act may mislead the Public ,
The flight crew of LATAM 2213 were also placed under arrest and held in custody in Lima up until last night. The Federation considers this situation unacceptable. Holding individuals in custody who are already under intense psychological pressure due to an accident is extremely detrimental to flight safety and can only hinder the investigation.
Further, it shows a complete disregard for the Positive Safety Culture principles laid out by Annexes 13 (Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation) and 19 (Safety Management) to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. It may also lead the public to conclude that the accident resulted from the flight crew’s intentional acts, rather than technical issues or a string of errors originating from multiple factors.
In any similar circumstances, the flight crew should be provided immediate medical care and evaluation. In no circumstances is it appropriate to question them in the immediate aftermath of any accident or incident until they have been professionally evaluated by qualified medical personnel who can determine their mental and physical fitness to contribute accurate information to investigators.
At present , the Authorities at Jorge Chavez International Airport have resumed the domestic and international flight services from Nov. 20th , after the damaged aircraft and parts/debris were cleared. The airport remained closed from Nov. 18th after the said accident took place on Runway 16.
Though many details on the cause of the accident are yet to be revealed , Latam's CEO says, the flight had been cleared for take-off , while the airport says , a routine drill was being carried out by the fire services.
Latest communication from the Lima Airport Partners.
Lima Airport Partners - the operator of the Jorge Chávez International Airport is ready for the investigation and says ,
"The recordings of the frequency are handled by #Corpac , they will be part of the investigations. And if necessary, we will assume the responsibilities. This accident touches us a lot. Ángel and Nicolás are part of our family."
"The authorization given by #Corpac is for the current runway. And the exercise is part of an emergency action plan for the airport #JorgeChávez . It is not an isolated exercise. The last one, prior to November 18, was carried out with the same people and it turned out very well. "
However , IFALPA's Press release reads ,
IFALPA stresses the need to avoid speculation as to the contributing factors of this accident. Only an extensive, complete accident investigation conducted in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 will provide the recommendations required to advance aviation safety and prevent reoccurrence.
The Federation will offer the expertise of its local Accredited Accident Investigators to the relevant Investigation Authorities to help gather facts and pertinent safety and security information.
What was the exercise that the aeronautical firefighters team planned to carry out at the Jorge Chávez airport consisted of ? An Interview with Rocío Espinoza, communications manager of Lima Airport Partners.
FALPA further says that they are monitoring the developments of the subject matter , and has asked the Republic of Peru to adhere to ICAO principles and guidelines.
IFALPA is closely monitoring the situation unfolding in Lima, Peru after Friday’s runway collision involving a departing LATAM Airlines A320 and a firetruck crossing the runway. Our condolences go out to the families and friends of the firefighters who lost their lives in this tragedy, and our thoughts are with the injured.
IFALPA therefore urges the Republic of Peru to adhere to and fully implement ICAO's positive safety culture principles, especially in the wake of such a tragic accident.
