2 fatalities

Training Flight Crash at Portezuelo

Portezuelo, ChileLanding (descent or approach)

On January 12, 1936, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth operated by LAN Chile - Linea Aérea Nacional de Chile was involved in an aviation accident near Portezuelo, Chile during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with a flagpole during final approach. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft struck a flagpole during final approach on a local training flight out of Portezuelo, resulting in the deaths of both pilots.

What happened

The incident occurred while the crew was conducting a local training flight departing from Portezuelo. During the final approach phase, the single-engine aircraft collided with a flagpole situated near the runway environment. The impact caused the plane to crash immediately after the collision. Both individuals on board were killed in the accident.

Findings

The source material does not provide specific technical findings or contributing factors beyond the immediate sequence of events. It is noted that the aircraft struck an obstacle, specifically a flagpole, while on final approach.

Probable cause

Collision with a flagpole during final approach.