Fatal powerline collision during training flight near Puerto Montt

3 fatalities • Cochamó, Chile • Flight

A training flight involving a twin-engine aircraft ended in a fatal crash after striking high-voltage powerlines in Chile.

What happened

During a scheduled training mission, a twin-engine aircraft departed from the Puerto Montt-El Tepual airport. While performing the flight, the aircraft encountered and struck the cables of a high-voltage powerline carrying 23,000 volts. The impact caused the plane to descend into hilly terrain, where the wreckage subsequently caught fire.

There were three fatalities among the crew members on board. No other persons were reported injured in the accident.

Findings

  • The aircraft collided with 23,000 volt powerlines during the flight phase.
  • The subsequent crash into hilly terrain resulted in a post-impact fire.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck high-voltage powerline cables during its training flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-07-02 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Cochamó, Chile?

A training flight involving a twin-engine aircraft ended in a fatal crash after striking high-voltage powerlines in Chile.

Were there any fatalities in the 2008-07-02 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-07-02 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration 947, operated by Chilean Air Force - Fuerza Aérea de Chile, at Cochamó, Chile.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck high-voltage powerline cables during its training flight.

Loading the flight search…