Piper PA-32-300 accident at Isla Mocha aerodrome

Overview and flight details On 23 April 2023, a Piper PA-32-300 aircraft departed from Las Misiones aerodrome in Cañete (SCNM) and landed without incident at Isla Mocha aerodrome (SCIM) in the Arauco Province, Biobío Region. After fuel was drained from both wingtip tanks and stored in metal drums at the operator's warehouse, four passengers boarded the aircraft. At 14:21 local time, the aircraft took off from Isla Mocha bound for Las Misiones. During the initial climb, the aircraft turned left, descended, and struck the sea surface approximately 100 meters from the coastline. ## Casualties and damage The accident resulted in four fatalities: the pilot in command and three passengers. One passenger sustained injuries and survived. The aircraft sustained severe damage. No other damage was reported. ## Aircraft and maintenance information The aircraft was a Piper PA-32-300, serial number 32-40970, manufactured in 1970. At the time of the accident, it had 5,645.0 hours of service, with the last recorded entry on 10 March 2023. The certified empty weight was 1,981.0 lb and the maximum takeoff weight was 3,400.0 lb. The last inspection was conducted on 9 July 2022 at 5,602.75 hours of service, covering 50/100-hour and annual requirements. The aircraft was powered by a Lycoming IO-540-K1A5 engine, serial number L-10040-48, with its last inspection on 9 July 2022 at 200.00 hours. The propeller was a Hartzell HC-C3YR-1RF, serial number DY-7273B, last inspected on 2 February 2022 at 261.11 hours. The operator maintained a valid maintenance contract with a DGAC-approved maintenance center authorized for the aircraft type. The aircraft held a standard airworthiness certificate issued on 31 July 2021, expiring on 30 August 2023.