Fatal aircraft accident during training mission near Santiago de Chile

7 fatalities • Colina, Chile • Flight

A training flight involving paratroopers ended in a fatal crash in Colina after an occupant struck the aircraft's stabilizer.

What happened

A flight departing from Santiago de Chile-Ployduel Airport for a local training exercise resulted in a fatal accident. The aircraft was carrying a crew of three along with four paratroopers. During the mission, while the plane was maintaining a low altitude, the paratroopers began their jump. During the deployment process, one of the individuals made contact with the aircraft's stabilizer.

This impact led to a total loss of control for the flight crew. The aircraft type subsequently crashed in the vicinity of Colina, situated approximately 23 km northeast of the Pudahuel Airport. There were seven fatalities recorded as a result of the impact.

Findings

The investigation indicates that the sequence of events was initiated when an occupant struck the stabilizer during the paratrooper deployment phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost control after a paratrooper made physical contact with the stabilizer during an aerial jump.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1975-07-31 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Colina, Chile?

A training flight involving paratroopers ended in a fatal crash in Colina after an occupant struck the aircraft's stabilizer.

Were there any fatalities in the 1975-07-31 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1975-07-31 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 970, operated by Chilean Air Force - Fuerza Aérea de Chile, at Colina, Chile.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft lost control after a paratrooper made physical contact with the stabilizer during an aerial jump.

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