What happened
On the morning of November 26, 2025, at approximately 06:15 local time, a fatal incident occurred at La Esperanza Aerodrome (SCMH) in Marchihue, within Chile's Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins Region. A commercial pilot was conducting pre-flight procedures for an agricultural aircraft during the engine startup phase.
The startup was being performed using ground assistance provided by a company mechanic. During this procedure, the mechanic was struck by the aircraft's propeller. The impact resulted in the immediate death of the mechanic at the scene. The pilot remained uninjured, and the airframe sustained no structural damage.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators arrived at the site on November 26 to conduct a preliminary inspection. The Piper PA-25-260 was found parked on hard ground covered with dry grass to the southeast of Runway 35, segregated by a wire fence. Investigators verified that the aircraft rested on its main gear and tailwheel.
A thorough physical inspection confirmed the integrity of the airframe, control surfaces, landing gear, brakes, and engine systems. No evidence of missing parts or structural damage was found. The fuel quantity in both wings and onboard documentation were verified. An unmanned aerial vehicle (RPA) was deployed to capture photographic coverage of the scene for subsequent analysis.
Findings
The primary causal factor identified is the fatal propeller strike during the engine startup sequence. The investigation is currently in the data collection phase, gathering technical records, meteorological data, and information from the Public Ministry to determine the specific operational failure or procedural error that allowed the mechanic to enter the propeller arc.
Safety action
The investigation remains ongoing as DGAC Chile compiles factual data to formulate a final technical report. The ultimate goal is to identify safety issues related to ground handling procedures for this aircraft type and issue appropriate operational recommendations.