Accident Overview
On January 26, 2025, at approximately 14:04 local time, a Cessna 182Q aircraft crashed in a forested area approximately 25 nautical miles north of Carriel Sur Airport (SCIE), near Trehuaco in the Ñuble Region, Chile. The aircraft was on a flight from Carriel Sur in Concepción to Viña del Mar Airport (SCVM). During the flight, the pilot declared an emergency due to an engine failure. The aircraft subsequently impacted terrain and came to rest inverted on its left side after initially striking a small hill. No fire occurred. The wreckage was contained to the area of the emergency landing path, and all flight control surfaces were identified.
Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft was a Cessna 182Q (serial number 18266098, manufactured in 1978) powered by a Continental O-470-U17 engine and fitted with a McCauley propeller. The pilot, a 27-year-old Chilean male holding a Commercial Pilot License with a Single-Engine Land rating and instrument rating, had a valid medical certificate and no prior accident history. The flight carried one pilot and three passengers.
Flight Details
The pilot refueled with 75 liters of fuel at Carriel Sur before departure. The aircraft weight was reported within limits. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were suitable for visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Communications between the aircraft and air traffic control were normal until the pilot reported the engine failure emergency.
Injuries and Damage
The accident resulted in two passengers being fatally injured, while the pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged.
Investigation
A preliminary investigation by the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC) of Chile is underway. The engine is being inspected by the manufacturer, Continental, and results will be included in the final report. The investigation remains in the analysis phase to determine the cause and to issue safety recommendations.