Accident Overview
On September 9, 2024, at approximately 15:30 local time, a Cessna 172N aircraft was performing a traffic circuit to land at Aeródromo Aucó (SCIL), Illapel, Coquimbo Region, when its right wing struck an electric cable. As a result, the pilot was uninjured and the aircraft suffered damage. The accident site was near the aerodrome, approximately 733 meters from threshold 20, at coordinates 31°34'29.49" South, 71°6'2.30" West.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 172N, serial number 17271278, manufactured in 1979. It was equipped with a Lycoming O-320-D2J engine (serial L-20624-39E) and a McCauley 1C160/DTM 7557 M1 propeller (serial AIF44004). The operator held a valid Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and performed mandatory maintenance at an authorized maintenance center. The aircraft's documentation, including the certificate of registration, airworthiness certificate, flight manual, and flight log, were aboard and valid. Fuel samples from both tanks showed no water or sediment, and the fuel was identified as aviation gasoline 100LL, the recommended type. Weight and balance were reportedly within limits.
Pilot Information
The pilot was a 29-year-old Chilean Commercial Pilot with a valid medical certificate and Class III medical exam. The pilot held ratings for single-engine land aircraft and instrument flight, and had no record of previous accidents.
Investigation
The accident investigation is being conducted by the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC) of Chile, following Annex 13 standards and national regulations DAR-13. The investigation is ongoing, with investigators focusing on analysis of collected data. A visual inspection of the aircraft in a hangar revealed damage to the right wing leading edge, propeller cone, and engine exhaust, all consistent with impact with electrical cables. The aircraft's seats, belts, and harnesses were found without anomalies. The investigation continues to determine the causes and contributing factors.