Region
South America

Crash of a Casa 212 Aviocar 300DF off Robinson Crusoe Island: 21 killed

Date & Time: Sep 2, 2011 at 1748 LT
Type of aircraft:
Casa 212 Aviocar
Operator:
Registration:
966
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
No
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Santiago - Robinson Crusoe Island
MSN:
443
YOM:
1994
Location:
Robinson Crusoe Island
Región de Valparaíso
Country:
Chile
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
17
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
21
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft departed Santiago de Chile-Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez (Pudahuel) Airport on a special flight to Robinson Crusoe Island, carrying 17 passengers and a crew of four. The flight was organized by NGO's in cooperation with the Chilean National Television to see the progress of the reconstruction on the island of Robinson Crusoe following the 2010 earthquake. Among the occupants were members of the National Television and also from the Council of Culture. The famous Chilean television icon Felipe Camiroaga Fernández was among the passengers. Following an almost 3-hour flight, the crew completed a low pass over the runway 14 then started the approach to runway 32 from the sea. At an altitude of about 650 feet, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent, rolled to the left to an angle of 90° and impacted the sea. Debris were found floating on water and the main wreckage was later found about one km southeast from the airport. All 21 occupants were killed.

Personnel from the Chilean Air Force:
Lt Carolina Fernández Quinteros,
Lt Juan Pablo Mallea Lagos,
1st Sgt Eduardo Jones San Martín,
1st Cpl Eduardo Estrada Muñoz,
2nd Cpl Flavio Oliva Pino,
2nd Cpl Erwin Núñez Rebolledo,
Cdt Rodrigo Fernández Apablaza,
José Cifuentes Juica.

Council of Culture:
Galia Diaz Riffo,
Romina Irarrázabal Faggiani.

Chilean National Television:
Felipe Camiroaga Fernández,
Roberto Bruce Pruzzo,
Sylvia Slier Munoz,
Caroline Gatica Aburto,
Rodrigo Cabezón de Amesti.

Members of the 'Desafío Levantemos Chile' NGO:
Felipe Cubillos Sigall,
Sebastián Correa Murillo,
Catalina Vela Montero,
Joel Lizama Nahuelhual,
Jorge Palma Calvo,
Joaquín Arnolds Reyes.
Probable cause:
The accident was caused by the loss of control of the airplane while performing the tailwind leg through the channel between the islands of Robinson Crusoe and Santa Clara to an estimated height of 650 feet or less, during the circuit approach to Runway 32 in a very low trajectory (with little height difference above the runway), where very adverse airflow conditions were found, including wind shear, which exposed the crew to extreme flight conditions.
Adverse airflow conditions were the results of a combination of different factors, including:
- Very unstable atmosphere, with strong turbulence and possibly eventually powerful down gusts arising from the presence of open cells after a front passed,
- The presence of the two counter-rotating vortexes in the Santa Clara Island downwind wake,
- The presence of strong and gusty crosswinds that were very variable in strength and direction in a very short time.

Crash of a Piper PA-31T Cheyenne II in Valparaiso

Date & Time: Apr 15, 2011 at 1200 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-31 Cheyenne
Operator:
Línea de Aeroservicios - LASSA
Registration:
CC-CZC
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Robinson Crusoe Island - Valparaiso
MSN:
31-7920072
YOM:
1979
Location:
Valparaíso
Región de Valparaíso
Country:
Chile
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
7396
Captain / Total hours on type:
1092.00
Aircraft flight hours:
7168
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft departed Robinson Crusoe Island on a cargo flight to Valparaiso, carrying one passenger, one pilot and a load consisting of 1,000 lbs of lobsters. Upon landing at Valparaiso Airport in good weather conditions, the airplane went out of control, veered off runway, crossed a road and came to rest in a wooded area located along the highway. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair and both occupants escaped with minor injuries.
Probable cause:
The most likely cause of the accident would have been the loss of control of the aircraft when performing the flare, caused by a loss of lift (stall), because the CofG was beyond the rear limit.
The following contributing factors were identified:
- The aircraft was unstable on its longitudinal axis because the CofG was too far aft,
- The cargo was not properly secured in the cabin.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31 Turbo Navajo B in Concepción: 6 killed

Date & Time: Mar 1, 2010 at 1346 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-31-310 Navajo
Operator:
Registration:
CC-PGY
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Humanitarian
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Tobalaba - Concepción
MSN:
31-7401257
YOM:
1974
Location:
Concepción
Región del Biobío
Country:
Chile
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Captain / Total flying hours:
760
Captain / Total hours on type:
81.00
Aircraft flight hours:
3167
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft was performing a special flight from Tobalaba to Concepción with a team of five experts from the Santo Tomás University. While descending to Concepción-Carriel Sur Airport in poor weather conditions, the twin engine aircraft hit tree tops and crashed in a wooded area located some 20 km north of the airport, near Tomé. All six occupants were killed. They should inspect installations in Concepción following the earthquake from 27FEB2010.
Pilot:
Marcelo Ruiz.
Passengers:
Ernesto Videla,
Pablo Desbordes,
Ignacio Fernández,
Rodolfo Becker,
Guillermo Moya.
Probable cause:
The pilot continued the approach in low visibility and let the aircraft descending below the minimum safe altitude. At the time of impact, the aircraft was 10° off track (017° radial) for a runway 20 approach in IMC. Consequently, investigators feel that the accident was caused by a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). Poor efficiency in procedures execution on part of the pilot by executing an approach in IMC with a twin engine aircraft was considered as a contributory factor, and his relative low experience on type.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft 99A Airliner in Puerto Montt: 9 killed

Date & Time: Jul 10, 2008 at 1025 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft 99 Airliner
Operator:
Registration:
CC-CFM
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Puerto Montt - Melinka
MSN:
U-145
YOM:
1971
Location:
Puerto Montt-Marcel Marchant (La Paloma)
Región de Los Lagos
Country:
Chile
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
8
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
9
Captain / Total flying hours:
17145
Captain / Total hours on type:
563.00
Circumstances:
Shortly after take off, while in initial climb, the pilot declared an emergency after the left engine cowling accidentally opened. He decided to return for an emergency landing and completed a turn. While on final, the pilot elected to maintain 200 feet but the aircraft stalled and crashed 1,500 metres short of runway 01. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all nine occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Operational error of the pilot in command by not applying normal approach procedures recommended by the manufacturer and loss control of the aircraft (stall) while returning to land with the left engine cowling open.
The following contributing factors were identified:
- During the preflight inspection, the pilot failed to detect that the left engine cowling was unlatched,
- Return with the intention of landing with a speed very close to the stall speed, possibly to avoid the detachment of the engine cowling due to the wind force,
- Probable increased stall speed by altering the left wing aerodynamics due to the engine open cowl,
- Not having high enough altitude to recover from a stall condition,
- Possible decreased physiological capabilities of the commander of the aircraft, due to the presence of alcohol in his system,
- Possible pilot distraction due to weather conditions and the opening of the engine cowling.
Final Report:

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter 300 near Cochamó: 3 killed

Date & Time: Jul 2, 2008 at 1430 LT
Type of aircraft:
De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter
Operator:
Registration:
947
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Training
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Puerto Montt - Puerto Montt
MSN:
404
YOM:
1974
Location:
Cochamó
Región de Los Lagos
Country:
Chile
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
The crew departed Puerto Montt-El Tepual for a training flight. En route, the twin engine aircraft collided with the cables of a 23,000 volts powerline and crashed on a hilly terrain, bursting into flames. All three crew members were killed.

Crash of a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan near La Junta: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jun 7, 2008 at 1350 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 208B Grand Caravan
Operator:
Registration:
CC-CTR
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Puerto Montt – La Junta
MSN:
208B-1137
YOM:
2005
Location:
La Junta
Región Aysén del General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo
Country:
Chile
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
9
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
15132
Captain / Total hours on type:
283.00
Circumstances:
The single engine aircraft departed Puerto Montt-El Tepual Airport at 1315LT on a flight to La Junta, carrying 9 passengers and one pilot. En route, the pilot reported to ATC his ETA at La Junta at 1425LT. Few minutes later, while cruising under VFR mode in IMC conditions, the aircraft impacted trees and crashed on a wooded area located on Mt Estero Yeco. The wreckage was found four days later, on June 11, at an altitude of 3,300 feet and 18 km west of La Junta Airport. All 9 passengers were rescued while the pilot was killed.
Probable cause:
The decision of the pilot to continue the flight under VFR mode in IMC conditions. As a result, he lost visual references and was unable to maintain a safe separation with the ground, causing the aircraft to impact terrain. Inadequate planning by the pilot by not considering the existing weather conditions en route and at destination was considered as a contributing factor.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo on Mt Yerbas Buenas: 2 killed

Date & Time: Aug 11, 2006 at 1135 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-31-310 Navajo
Operator:
Línea de Aeroservicios - LASSA
Registration:
CC-CFK
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Geographical / Geophysical / Scientific
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
La Serena - La Serena
MSN:
31-607
YOM:
1970
Location:
Mt Yerbas Buenas
Región de Atacama
Country:
Chile
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
4519
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft departed La Serena-La Florida Airport at 1053LT on a geophysical mission over Domeyko, carrying one passenger and one pilot who were involved in a magnetic prospection mission on behalf of a mining program. Seven minutes after takeoff, the pilot informed ATC about his altitude at 6,500 feet and that he would descend to 500 feet once over the Domeyko area. About half an hour later, the aircraft crashed on the slope of Mt Yerbas Buenas, about 84 km north of La Serena Airport, bursting into flames. The wreckage was found four hours later at an altitude of 1,579 metres. The aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire and both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The accident occurred after the pilot suffered a loss of situational awareness while flying at low altitude, which did not allow him to avoid the collision with the mountain. Such operation conducted in a single pilot configuration was considered as a contributing factor as the workload was high.
Final Report:

Crash of a Casa 212-AB10 Aviocar 300 near Puerto Montt: 14 killed

Date & Time: Aug 6, 2000
Type of aircraft:
Casa 212 Aviocar
Operator:
Registration:
230
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Santiago - Coyhaique
MSN:
454
YOM:
1997
Location:
Puerto Montt
Región de Los Lagos
Country:
Chile
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
10
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
14
Circumstances:
En route from Santiago to Coyhaique, the crew encountered severe icing conditions and was cleared to divert to Puerto Montt Airport. Few minutes later, the aircraft lost height and crashed on the slope of Mt Michimahuida. The wreckage was found on August 21. All 14 occupants were killed.

Crash of a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo B in La Serena

Date & Time: Feb 23, 1999
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-31-310 Navajo
Operator:
Aero Lloyd (Chile)
Registration:
CC-CRV
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
MSN:
31-733
YOM:
1971
Location:
La Serena
Región de Coquimbo
Country:
Chile
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
On final approach to La Serena-La Florida Airport, both engines failed simultaneously. The pilot attempted an emergency landing when the aircraft stalled and crashed short of runway. All four occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed. The aircraft was completing a charter flight for the El Indio Mining Company.
Probable cause:
Double engine failure on approach due to fuel exhaustion.

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter 100 in Antofagasta

Date & Time: Aug 19, 1998
Type of aircraft:
De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter
Operator:
Registration:
935
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Training
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Antofagasta - Antofagasta
MSN:
7
YOM:
1966
Location:
Antofagasta
Región de Antofagasta
Country:
Chile
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a local training flight at Antofagasta-Cerro Moreno Airport (Andrés Sabella Gálvez Intl Airport). At liftoff, the pilot-in-command initiated a sharp turn to the right, causing the left wing tip to struck the ground. Out of control, the aircraft crashed by the runway. All three occupants were injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. It was reported that the pilot-in-command was a Mirage fighter jet captain. When ATC requested the crew to expedite the takeoff, the pilot-in-command made a sharp turn at low height, apparently not aware about the aircraft wingspan.
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