Incident Overview
On April 16, 2019, a Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2B-27 (Islander) aircraft operated by a commercial pilot departed from Aeródromo Marcel Marchant (SCPF) in Puerto Montt, Chile. The flight was intended as a non-scheduled passenger transport to Ayacara Airport (SCAY). Approximately 36 seconds after takeoff from Runway 01, the pilot communicated over aeronautical frequencies that he was returning to the aerodrome without declaring an emergency or specifying a reason.
Crash Sequence and Impact
Following the announcement of the return, witnesses reported that the aircraft executed a left turn toward the west. The plane subsequently lost altitude and impacted a private residence located 450 meters west of the aerodrome. The collision resulted in a fire that destroyed the aircraft and damaged two adjacent houses. Additionally, two electrical utility poles and their associated cabling were damaged.
Casualties and Damage
The accident resulted in six fatalities: the pilot and five passengers on board. One pedestrian passing through the area sustained serious injuries due to the impact and subsequent debris. The aircraft was completely destroyed by the crash and fire. Both engines were found with melted components, and the propellers showed signs of high power rotation before separation or deformation.
Aircraft and Pilot Details
The aircraft, manufactured in 1983, had a maximum takeoff weight of 6,360 lb. The pilot was 28 years old, held a commercial license for single and multi-engine land aircraft, and had approximately 1,414 total flight hours. The last maintenance inspection was completed on April 10, 2019, with no discrepancies noted in the logs prior to the incident.