What happened
On August 25, 2008, a Beech BE-55, registration CC-PBY, was operating a personal flight from San Javier Las Mercedes, Chile. At approximately 1325, the aircraft departed San Javier Las Mercedes.
At 1351, the pilot contacted the Air Traffic Control (ATC) controller at General Freire Airport, reporting the aircraft's position 10 miles north of the airport at 6,500 feet. Within one to two minutes, the pilot notified the controller of an engine problem and stated a need to land at Curico. Shortly thereafter, the pilot declared an emergency. The controller observed the aircraft performing a right turn before it disappeared behind a tree line.
The aircraft subsequently collided with a private residence, resulting in substantial damage to the plane and a post-crash fire. The accident resulted in 3 fatal injuries, involving the commercial pilot and two passengers.