What happened
On October 31, 2024, at approximately 10:29 local time, an L410 UVP-E20 was performing a takeoff from the Nuevo Chaitel Aerodrome (SCTN) in the Los Lagos Region. During the initial climb, the forward door of the right-side cargo compartment opened unexpectedly. This failure allowed a piece of passenger luggage to slide out of the aircraft and strike the propeller of the right engine.
Following the impact, the pilot in command initiated an immediate return to the aerodrome. The aircraft landed safely at SCTN without further complications. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries among the 18 passengers and 2 crew members on board, though the aircraft sustained damage during the event.
The investigation
DGAC Chile is currently in the data collection and analysis phase of the investigation. Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the cargo door failure and the subsequent impact with the propeller to determine the underlying technical or operational causes.