Aircraft ground impact during training flight at Antofagasta

No fatalities • Antofagasta, Chile • Takeoff (climb)

A Mirage fighter jet crashed near the runway at Antofagasta-Cerro Moreno Airport after a sharp turn caused the wingtip to strike the ground during takeoff.

What happened

During a routine local training mission at Andrés Sabella Gálvez Intl Airport, an aircraft experienced a loss of control immediately following liftoff. While the crew was executing the departure, the pilot-in-command performed a sudden right-hand turn at a low altitude. This maneuver caused the left wingtip to make contact with the ground surface.

Following the wing strike, the Mirage became uncontrollable and crashed in an area adjacent to the runway. The incident resulted in three injuries, though no fatalities were reported among the occupants. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

Preliminary details suggest the accident was precipitated by the pilot's decision to execute a steep turn while still at a low height. It appears the pilot-in-command may have been unaware of the aircraft wingspan limitations during the maneuver, which was performed shortly after air traffic control instructed the crew to expedite their takeoff.

Probable cause

The pilot executed an aggressive turn at low altitude without sufficient clearance for the aircraft's wingspan.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-08-19 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Antofagasta, Chile?

A Mirage fighter jet crashed near the runway at Antofagasta-Cerro Moreno Airport after a sharp turn caused the wingtip to strike the ground during takeoff.

Were there any fatalities in the 1998-08-19 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-08-19 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration 935, operated by Chilean Air Force - Fuerza Aérea de Chile, at Antofagasta, Chile.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot executed an aggressive turn at low altitude without sufficient clearance for the aircraft's wingspan.

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