On March 17, 1929, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration 22) operated by LAN Chile - Linea Aérea Nacional de Chile was involved in an aviation accident near Varillas, Chile in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control due to severe turbulence encountered during the en route phase of flight. 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.
A commercial flight operating between Copiapó and Antofagasta crashed into the ground after encountering severe turbulence, resulting in the deaths of both crew members on board.
What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was en route from Copiapó to Antofagasta. During the flight, the crew encountered conditions of severe turbulence. As a direct result of these atmospheric conditions, the pilots lost control of the aircraft. The plane subsequently crashed into the terrain.
Findings
The accident resulted in fatal injuries for everyone on board. Both members of the flight crew were killed in the impact. No specific registration number or detailed aircraft model is provided in the available source material to identify the specific airframe involved.
Probable cause
Loss of control due to severe turbulence encountered during the en route phase of flight.
What happened in the 17 Mar 1929 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Varillas, Chile?
A commercial flight operating between Copiapó and Antofagasta crashed into the ground after encountering severe turbulence, resulting in the deaths of both crew members on board.
Were there any fatalities in the 17 Mar 1929 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Mar 1929 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration 22, operated by LAN Chile - Linea Aérea Nacional de Chile, at Varillas, Chile.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Loss of control due to severe turbulence encountered during the en route phase of flight.
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