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38 fatalities

Puerto Montt-El Tepual Airport Approach Accident (989)

Puerto Montt-El Tepual, ChileLanding (descent or approach)

On July 24, 1977, a Douglas DC-6 (registration 989) operated by Chilean Air Force - Fuerza Aérea de Chile was involved in an aviation accident near Puerto Montt-El Tepual, Chile during landing or approach. 38 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft crashed in flames in a swampy area five km short of the runway at Puerto Montt-El Tepual Airport during a night approach in very bad weather, killing 37 people and injuring 44.

Incident Overview and Weather Conditions During a night approach to Puerto Montt-El Tepual Airport, the crew of a four-engine aircraft encountered very bad weather conditions. The source notes that rain falls and the darkness of the night limited visibility for the crew. ## Crash Location and Casualties In unknown circumstances, the aircraft crashed in flames in a swampy area located five km short of the runway. The accident resulted in the deaths of all seven crew members and 31 passengers. Additionally, 44 other occupants were injured in the crash. ## Investigation Status The provided source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, exact date, or the established cause of the accident, and states that the circumstances of the crash remain unknown.

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