Accident Overview
On August 25, 2008, at approximately 1410 eastern daylight time, a Beech BE-55, registration CC-PBY, collided with a private residence while maneuvering near Curico, Chile. The aircraft was owned and operated by Inversiones Aeronauticas Y Servicios Aereos Limitada and was being used for a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan had been filed. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and a post-crash fire ensued. The commercial pilot and two passengers were killed.
Flight Details
The flight originated from San Javier Las Mercedes, Chile, at 1325. According to an air traffic controller on duty at General Freire Airport in Curico, the pilot contacted them on the radio frequency at 1351, reporting a position 10 miles north of the airport at an altitude of 6,500 feet. Approximately one to two minutes later, the pilot informed the controller of a need to land at Curico due to an engine problem. Shortly thereafter, the pilot declared an emergency. The controller observed the aircraft making a right turn until it disappeared from view behind a line of trees.
Aftermath
The accident investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Chile. For further information, contact the Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil in Santiago, Chile.