Beech 300 crash near Puerto Aguirre, Chile

8 fatalities • Puerto Aguiree, Chile

An air ambulance flight operating a Beech 300 crashed into a volcano during a descent near Puerto Aguirre.

What happened

On March 22, 2012, at 0358 UTC, a Beech BE 300, registration CC-AEB, departed from controlled flight while operating as an air ambulance flight. The aircraft was traveling from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Santiago, Chile, under an instrument flight plan.

While in radio contact with Puerto Montt Radio, the aircraft was observed on radar performing a spiraling descent at 7,700 feet, approximately 6 miles north northeast of Puerto Aguirre, Chile. At the time of the incident, weather conditions were visual meteorological conditions (VMC) with winds at 180 degrees at 02 knots.

The aircraft crashed in the vicinity of the last radar contact. On March 25, 2012, the wreckage was located on the north face of the Maca Volcano. The accident resulted in 8 fatal injuries, involving the pilot in command, the first officer, and six passengers.

Probable cause

not provided

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Mar 2012 BEECH 300 LW accident near Puerto Aguiree, Chile?

An air ambulance flight operating a Beech 300 crashed into a volcano during a descent near Puerto Aguirre.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Mar 2012 BEECH 300 LW accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Mar 2012 involved a BEECH 300 LW, operated by Inaer Helicopter Chile S.A., at Puerto Aguiree, Chile.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

not provided

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