Aircraft crash on Macá volcano during medical transport flight

8 fatalities • Puerto Aguirre, Chile • Flight

A twin-engine aircraft crashed on the north slope of the Macá volcano, resulting in the deaths of all eight people on board during a medical evacuation flight.

What happened

On a flight operating from Puntas Arenas to Santiago, a twin-engine aircraft was conducting a medical transport mission. The flight was carrying a total of eight individuals, including two pilots, one patient, three doctors, and two family members of the patient.

While cruising at flight level 280, the flight crew received clearance to begin a descent. During communications with Puerto Montt Air Traffic Control, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent. The plane struck the terrain on the northern slope of the Macá volcano, located approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Puerto Aguirre.

Search teams located the wreckage on the morning of March 24 at an elevation of 2,347 meters. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate, and the crash resulted in 8 fatalities.

Findings

  • The aircraft experienced an uncontrolled descent following a descent clearance.
  • The accident occurred during the descent phase of flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent during the transition from cruise to descent.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-03-22 Beechcraft 350 Super King Air accident near Puerto Aguirre, Chile?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed on the north slope of the Macá volcano, resulting in the deaths of all eight people on board during a medical evacuation flight.

Were there any fatalities in the 2012-03-22 Beechcraft 350 Super King Air accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-03-22 involved a Beechcraft 350 Super King Air, registration CC-AEB, operated by INAER Helicopter Chile, at Puerto Aguirre, Chile.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent during the transition from cruise to descent.

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