LAPA Flight 3142 tragedy marks 27 years since Aeroparque crash

Argentina marks the 27th anniversary of the LAPA Flight 3142 tragedy, an aviation accident that occurred on August 31, 1999, at Aeroparque airport in Buenos Aires. The Boeing 737-200 was attempting to fly from Buenos Aires to Córdoba when it failed to take off.

Investigations revealed that the aircraft attempted takeoff without proper configuration, as the flaps and slats were retracted. Black box recordings indicated that the pilots, Commander Gustavo Weigel and First Officer Luis Etcheverry, were engaged in informal conversation rather than following strict protocols. The pilots also reportedly ignored a warning alarm that they believed was prone to false alerts.

The plane overran the runway, crossed Costanera Avenue, struck vehicles, and crashed into a YPF fuel plant, which ignited a massive fire. The accident resulted in 65 deaths and left 17 survivors with lasting injuries. The event exposed significant systemic failures within the airline and the Argentine aeronautical system.