2024 Thrush S2R-T660 accident at Panguilemo Aerodrome

Overview and flight details On 15 January 2024, a Thrush Aircraft LLC S2R-T660 (710P) with Spanish registration, operated by a Chilean air company, was conducting aerial firefighting work east of Panguilemo Aerodrome (SCTL) in Talca, Maule Region. The aircraft, designated AC-13, was dispatched by CONAF alongside another aircraft, AC-11, to address a forest fire near the aerodrome. After departing runway 21, both aircraft turned right and then left to head north toward the drop point. AC-11 completed its water drop without incident. ## Accident sequence During its water drop, AC-13 struck electrical cables and then two utility poles with its right wing. The pilot lost control, the aircraft caught fire in flight, and it crashed onto Ruta 5 Sur. It struck a moving automobile and then a parked commercial truck loaded with precast concrete. ## Casualties and damage The pilot, a 58-year-old Spanish national holding an Airline Transport Pilot Licence, was killed. Three occupants of the automobile sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed and burned. Other damage included electrical cables and two poles, the automobile, and the commercial truck, which was also burned. The investigation followed ICAO Annex 13 and Chilean DAR-13 procedures, with findings intended solely for safety prevention.