Fatal aircraft accident during training flight near Puerto Montt

5 fatalities • Puerto Montt-El Tepual, Chile • Landing (descent or approach)

A training flight departing from Puerto Montt-El Tepual Airport resulted in a crash in a wooded area, causing five fatalities.

What happened

A local training mission originating from Puerto Montt-El Tepual Airport ended in a fatal accident when the aircraft struck vegetation during its approach. The flight was operated by a crew consisting of two pilots and one flight engineer. In addition to the crew, three passengers—relatives of the flight engineer—were on board at the time of the incident.

As the aircraft transitioned into its final approach, it encountered weather conditions characterized by limited visibility. During this phase of flight, the pilot did not maintain sufficient altitude. The aircraft subsequently made contact with treetops before crashing into a forested region. Of the six people on board, five fatalities were recorded, while one crew member managed to survive the impact.

Findings

The investigation into the crash identified that the primary factor was the pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude while operating in marginal weather and low-visibility conditions.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to recognize that the aircraft was at an insufficient altitude during approach in poor visibility.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1974-09-09 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Puerto Montt-El Tepual, Chile?

A training flight departing from Puerto Montt-El Tepual Airport resulted in a crash in a wooded area, causing five fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1974-09-09 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1974-09-09 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration 941, operated by Chilean Air Force - Fuerza Aérea de Chile, at Puerto Montt-El Tepual, Chile.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to recognize that the aircraft was at an insufficient altitude during approach in poor visibility.

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