Pilot Error Nearly Caused Accident at Lima Airport, Peru
On the night of Friday, May 23, the Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru, was the scene of a serious incident, which, thanks to the rapid intervention of the control tower and the impeccable execution of an emergency maneuver, an accident was avoided.
Copa Airlines Flight Heads for the Wrong Runway
The incident began when a Copa Airlines flight, arriving from Panama, was preparing to land in Lima. According to records from FlightRadar24, the aircraft was descending toward runway 16L, which was closed at the time. The pilot, apparently in error, overlooked that their clearance was for runway 16R, the only operational runway at that moment.
The alarm was raised when air traffic control noticed the aircraft approaching the wrong runway. The pilot reacted immediately: increasing engine power and climbing to avoid touching down on a closed runway. This emergency maneuver, known as a “go-around,” was critical in preventing a potential accident.
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A Life-Saving Maneuver
At that very moment, a KLM aircraft had just landed on runway 16R and was crossing runway 16L, heading toward the old terminal. The proximity of the two aircraft raised the risk level to a critical point. Despite the tension, the Copa Airlines pilot managed to regain altitude and redirect the aircraft to the correct runway, where it landed without further incident.
This sequence of events underscores the importance of safety protocols and the expertise of air traffic controllers and pilots.
What Is a Go-Around?
The “go-around” procedure is a standard maneuver in aviation. It is used when an approach cannot be safely completed due to factors such as weather conditions, obstacles on the runway, or, as in this case, an approach to the wrong runway. The goal is to immediately gain altitude, re-enter the traffic pattern, and attempt a new approach under optimal conditions.
Ongoing Investigation and Preventive Measures
Corpac, the Peruvian air traffic control authority, confirmed the incident in an official statement, explaining that the Copa Airlines aircraft had attempted to land on the closed runway due to a misinterpretation of signals or instructions.
The agency also stated that a thorough investigation has been launched to clarify the facts and determine responsibilities. The involved air traffic controllers are being evaluated, and corrective measures will be implemented.
“The investigation will allow us to take actions aimed at mitigating risks as part of a continuous improvement process,” Corpac stated.
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