Accident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft operating a charter flight crashed in an uninhabited area of Meseta del Guenguel, resulting in the destruction of the airplane and the deaths of all 10 occupants.
Flight Details
The flight originated in Coyhaique with an intermediate stop at Balmaceda, where six additional passengers boarded. The aircraft then departed Balmaceda Airport's runway 27 at 1310 local time for the second leg to Chile Chico.
Sequence of Events
Approximately 16 minutes into the flight, while cruising in marginal weather conditions, radar contact was lost after the aircraft crashed. The wreckage was located later in the afternoon at Meseta del Guenguel.
Damage and Occupants
The aircraft was totally destroyed. All 10 occupants—comprising passengers and crew—were killed in the accident.
Official Findings
The probable cause, as determined by the investigation, was that the accident was the consequence of a loss of control following an excessive accumulation of ice on the airplane.