Fatal aircraft impact near Mount Nevados de Putre

6 fatalities • Putre, Chile • Flight

A four-engine cargo aircraft crashed into a mountainside in Chile while operating under visual flight rules during poor weather.

What happened

A cargo mission traveling from Santa Cruz to Arica, Chile, ended in a fatal accident when a four-engine airplane collided with the terrain. While the flight was being conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at an altitude of 18,000 feet, the crew encountered deteriorating weather conditions. During this period of low visibility, the aircraft struck the slope of Mt Nevados de Putre, situated approximately 12 km northeast of Putre.

Search efforts located the wreckage a few hours after the impact. The accident resulted in six fatalities, with no survivors among the occupants of the aircraft.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the crew was operating the aircraft under VFR while actually encountering Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). This led to a controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The crew attempted to fly under visual flight rules despite being in instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in the aircraft striking a mountain.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1971-06-17 Douglas DC-6 accident near Putre, Chile?

A four-engine cargo aircraft crashed into a mountainside in Chile while operating under visual flight rules during poor weather.

Were there any fatalities in the 1971-06-17 Douglas DC-6 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1971-06-17 involved a Douglas DC-6, registration CP-926, operated by SAVCO - Servicios Aéreos Virgen de Copacabana, at Putre, Chile.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew attempted to fly under visual flight rules despite being in instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in the aircraft striking a mountain.

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