Event Overview
On 3 December 2025, at 18:35 local time, a British Aerospace PLC AVRO 146 RJ100 aircraft, operated on a regular passenger transport flight, landed on Runway 11 of Teniente Rodolfo Marsh Martin Airport (SCRM), located on King George Island in the Antarctic. The aircraft carried 4 crew members and 68 passengers. During the landing, the lower aft fuselage contacted the runway surface, resulting in a tail strike. All occupants were uninjured.
Aircraft and Flight Information
The aircraft involved was a British Aerospace AVRO 146 – RJ100, a twin-engine regional jet. The flight originated from Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport (SCCI) in Punta Arenas, Chile, and was destined for SCRM. The pilot in command held a valid Airline Transport Pilot License; the crew included a first officer who also served as a flight instructor.
Runway and Weather Conditions
The aerodrome at SCRM features a single gravel runway, designated 11/29, measuring 1292 meters by 39 meters, with an elevation of 147 feet. At the time of the accident, meteorological conditions indicated low surface pressure, overcast skies, and a north wind averaging 13.9 km/h. The air temperature was 0.9°C with a relative humidity of 88%, consistent with the 09:00 and 10:00 UTC METAR reports.
Damage and Inspection
Initial inspection at the accident site revealed that the Ground Strike Indicator (GSI) showed wear and material loss from contact with the runway. Further examination at Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport, after the aircraft was ferried there without passengers on 3 December 2026 (authorized by the aviation authority), confirmed the tail strike damage to the lower fuselage. No other structural damage was found on the wings, control surfaces, engines, landing gear, or wheel assemblies. The Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) were removed for data analysis and remain in the custody of the investigation team.
Investigation Status
The investigation is ongoing. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Chile (DGAC), through its Accident Prevention Department, deployed an investigation team on 5 December 2025 to inspect the aircraft and gather evidence. The team is currently analyzing data from the FDR and CVR, as well as reviewing technical documentation. The investigation aims to determine the cause of the tail strike and generate operational safety recommendations. No probable cause has been determined at this preliminary stage.