Fatal aircraft accident during Chilean Air Force anniversary demonstration

2 fatalities • Peldehue, Chile • Flight

A flight crew was killed when an aircraft caught fire and crashed during a low-altitude aerial demonstration in Chile.

What happened

During the 34th Anniversary celebrations of the Chilean Air Force, an aircraft was conducting a demonstration flight for an audience of approximately 6,000 spectators. While flying at a low altitude, the left engine of the plane ignited. In response to the fire, the captain altered the flight path to move away from the crowd in an attempt to perform an emergency landing.

During this maneuver, the aircraft lost sufficient altitude to prevent a controlled descent. The captain successfully exited the aircraft via bailout; however, the remaining two crew members, consisting of the copilot and the flight mechanic, perished when the plane struck an open field while fully engulfed in flames. The accident resulted in two fatalities.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the primary factor was an in-flight fire occurring in the left engine.

Probable cause

An engine fire on the left side of the aircraft led to a loss of altitude and subsequent crash.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1964-03-21 Douglas A-26 Invader accident near Peldehue, Chile?

A flight crew was killed when an aircraft caught fire and crashed during a low-altitude aerial demonstration in Chile.

Were there any fatalities in the 1964-03-21 Douglas A-26 Invader accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1964-03-21 involved a Douglas A-26 Invader, registration 823, operated by Chilean Air Force - Fuerza Aérea de Chile, at Peldehue, Chile.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An engine fire on the left side of the aircraft led to a loss of altitude and subsequent crash.

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