Incident Overview
A demonstration flight conducted as part of the 34th Anniversary celebrations of the Chilean Air Force ended in a crash after an engine fire. The aircraft was performing a low-altitude pass in front of approximately 6,000 spectators when the left engine caught fire. The captain altered the flight path and departed the area to attempt an emergency landing. During this maneuver, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed in flames in an open field. The captain was able to bail out, while the copilot and flight mechanic were killed.
Sequence of Events
The crew was participating in a celebratory display. While approaching at low height, the left engine ignited. The captain responded by modifying the route and leaving the spectator area to initiate an emergency landing. However, the aircraft subsequently lost height and impacted the ground in a fireball. The captain successfully evacuated the aircraft, but the other two crew members perished in the crash.
Casualties and Damage
The airplane was destroyed by impact and fire. Two crew members—the copilot and the flight mechanic—sustained fatal injuries. The captain survived after bailing out. No other injuries were reported on the ground.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be an in-flight fire on the left engine.