On August 6, 2000, a Casa 212 Aviocar (registration 230) operated by Chilean Air Force - Fuerza Aérea de Chile was involved in an aviation accident near Puerto Montt, Chile in flight. 14 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft encountered severe icing conditions which led to a loss of altitude and subsequent impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft crashed on the slopes of Mount Michimahuida while attempting to divert to Puerto Montt due to severe weather conditions.
What happened
While operating a flight from Santiago to Coyhaique, the crew encountered intense icing conditions during the journey. In response to the deteriorating weather, the flight was authorized to divert to Puerto Montt Airport. Shortly after receiving clearance for the diversion, the aircraft experienced a loss of altitude and struck the terrain on the slope of Mt Michimahuida. The wreckage of the flight was located by search teams on August 21.
Findings
The flight was operating in severe icing conditions at the time of the accident.
The impact occurred during the flight phase following the decision to divert.
There were 14 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.
Probable cause
The aircraft encountered severe icing conditions which led to a loss of altitude and subsequent impact with terrain.