IA-63 Pampa aircraft emergency landing disrupts Mendoza airport

An IA-63 Pampa II aircraft belonging to the Argentine Air Force's IV Air Brigade declared an emergency on Friday, September 4, following a technical malfunction during a functional check flight in Mendoza.

The incident began when the crew experienced an electrical failure that caused incorrect data indications regarding the landing gear. After performing standard operational procedures and receiving a visual inspection from another Pampa aircraft, the crew performed a landing at El Plumerillo International Airport (Francisco Gabrielli).

While the landing itself was reported as normal, a mechanical issue occurred once the aircraft had come to a complete stop. The right main landing gear retracted unexpectedly, causing the aircraft to tilt onto its side. The incident led to a three-hour suspension of commercial flight operations at the airport while rescue protocols were executed and the aircraft was cleared from the runway. The crew reported being in optimal condition.