What happened
On January 20, 2025, at approximately 18:06 local time, a Piper PA31-325 was performing a private flight from La Araucanía Airport (SCQP) toward Villarrica Aerodrome (SCVI). The aircraft was carrying a pilot and three passengers. During the takeoff roll on runway 19, the number two (right) engine suffered a loss of power. The pilot immediately declared an emergency to the control tower while attempting to maintain the runway centerline. However, the pilot subsequently lost control of the aircraft, which impacted an agricultural field approximately 2,700 meters south of the runway. Following the impact, the aircraft caught fire due to fuel leaking from the tanks and contacting hot engine components. All four occupants successfully evacuated the wreckage on their own and sustained no injuries.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the crash site, located in a private orchard in the Freire commune, where they found the aircraft'-s structure largely destroyed by fire. The investigation included a physical inspection of the takeoff runway, where airport emergency personnel discovered a detached component. This part was identified as a V-band coupling, which connects the turbocharger to the exhaust system of the right engine. A specialized maintenance facility subsequently inspected the fractured coupling. Technical analysis of the component revealed that the fracture occurred in an area suffering from severe thermal corrosion, characterized by significant material loss in the central section of the outer band.
Findings
- The loss of power in the right engine was caused by the failure and detachment of a V-band coupling.
- The failure of the coupling was attributed to severe corrosion resulting from high-temperature exposure.
- The post-impact fire was caused by the leakage of fuel onto hot engine parts.
- Safety belts functioned as intended, facilitating the safe evacuation of all passengers.