What happened
On January 19, 2025, at approximately 17:23 local time, a Bell 407GXi helicopter crashed in the La Capilla sector of Paredones, within the O'Higgins Region. The aircraft, operating on a private flight, had previously landed at Torca Aerodrome (SCLI) at 16:54 to refuel. Following the refueling process, the pilot departed the airfield at 1s17:19, initially heading south before executing a left turn to proceed north toward Santiago's Chicureo Aerodrome (SCHC).
Roughly four minutes after takeoff, the helicopter struck the terrain, impacting a grove of pine trees. The force of the impact was followed by a significant post-crash fire that consumed the aircraft and ignited surrounding vegetation. There were three fatalities among the occupants, consisting of the pilot and two passengers.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the wreckage and the crash site, which was characterized by steep terrain with a 30-degree slope and nearby ravines. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft impacted the ground in a vertical orientation, with no evidence of a ground slide. The wreckage was heavily damaged by fire, which also destroyed the aircraft's flight documentation and cockpit instruments.
Technical inspections were conducted alongside specialists from the aircraft manufacturer, Bell, and the engine manufacturer, Rolls-Royce. Investigators recovered components of the tail rotor assembly and a portion of a tail rotor blade approximately 170 meters downslope from the main wreckage. Laboratory analysis of the fuel sampled from the refueling point at Torca Aerodrome confirmed it met JetA1 standards. Maintenance records indicated the operator followed FAA-mandated maintenance protocols using authorized personnel.
Findings
- The aircraft's structure and cockpit were destroyed by a post-impact fire.
- The impact occurred in a forested area, causing the destruction of pine trees and the subsequent ignition of the wreckage.
- The vertical impact pattern and the lack of a ground slide suggest a high-angle descent into the terrain.
- Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were reported as clear with no significant cloud cover and light winds of approximately 5 m/s from the south.