Accident Overview
On March 31, 2015, at approximately 2210 UTC, a Bell 206L4 helicopter with Chilean registration CC-APP was destroyed following a collision with power lines and a subsequent postcrash fire. The accident occurred while the helicopter was maneuvering near Diego de Almagro, Chile. The helicopter was operated by a private individual and was being flown by a foreign certificated private pilot. The pilot and three passengers sustained fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan had been filed.
Flight Details
The flight departed from Aerodromo Chamonate in Copiapo, Chile, and was destined for the Wara Resort Heliport, also in Copiapo. At 1901 UTC, the pilot reported to air traffic control that he had the destination heliport in sight. Subsequently, the pilot changed radio frequencies, and no further communications were received from the accident helicopter.
Wreckage Location
The helicopter was located two days later in a mountainous area approximately 37 kilometers east of Diego de Almagro, Chile.
Investigation Jurisdiction
This investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Chile. Further information may be obtained from the Director of Accident Prevention, Analysis Office, Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics, Elena Blanco #1050, Providencia, Santiago de Chile, 7541084.