Accident Overview
On an undetermined date, a single-engine aircraft departed Puerto Montt-El Tepual Airport at 1315 local time on a flight to La Junta. The aircraft carried nine passengers and one pilot. En route, the pilot reported to air traffic control an estimated time of arrival at La Junta of 1425 local time. Shortly thereafter, while cruising under visual flight rules (VFR) in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the aircraft struck trees and crashed in a wooded area on Mt Estero Yeco.
Discovery and Rescue
The wreckage was located four days later, on June 11, at an altitude of 3,300 feet and approximately 18 kilometers west of La Junta Airport. All nine passengers were rescued from the scene. The pilot was killed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the pilot's decision to continue the flight under VFR mode in IMC conditions. As a result, the pilot lost visual references and was unable to maintain safe separation from the ground, leading to impact with terrain. Inadequate planning by the pilot, specifically not considering the existing weather conditions en route and at the destination, was identified as a contributing factor.