What happened
On November 12, 2024, at approximately 19:20 local time, a Bell 205A-1 helicopter was engaged in aerial firefighting operations in the Maule Region of Chile. The aircraft, operated by a commercial helicopter pilot, departed from the CONAF MAQUI 1 base with the intention of traveling to the Tricao area within the Curicó Province.
While performing firefighting duties along the banks of the Mataquito River, the helicopter struck overhead electrical power lines. The impact occurred in the southern sector of the riverbank. Despite the collision, the pilot sustained no injuries, though the aircraft suffered significant damage.
The investigation
The Chilean DGAC is currently conducting a preliminary investigation into the event. Authorities are in the process of collecting and analyzing technical data and site evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events. The investigation aims to determine the precise factors that led to the contact with the electrical cables and to evaluate the operational conditions present during the mission.