Aircraft belly landing during approach near Port Raúl Marín Balmaceda

No fatalities • Port Raúl Marín Balmaceda, Chile • Landing (descent or approach)

A positioning flight experienced a landing accident during an approach to Port Raúl Marín Balmaceda, resulting in the total loss of the aircraft.

What happened

On a positioning flight departing from Puerto Montt at 09:00 local time, the pilot intended to travel to Port Raúl Marín Balmaceda to collect five passengers. As the aircraft approached the destination, the pilot performed a low-altitude pass to assess the wind conditions and the suitability of the landing surface.

Following this maneuver, the aircraft descended to the ground and struck the surface on its belly. The impact caused the plane to slide across the terrain for several dozen meters before coming to a stop in a field of grass. While the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair, the pilot remained uninjured during the incident.

Findings

  • The pilot executed a loss pass to evaluate landing conditions and wind components prior to the final approach.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to perform a low-altitude pass to assess landing conditions preceded the aircraft striking the ground on its belly.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-12-28 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Port Raúl Marín Balmaceda, Chile?

A positioning flight experienced a landing accident during an approach to Port Raúl Marín Balmaceda, resulting in the total loss of the aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 2013-12-28 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-12-28 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration CC-CMM, operated by Aeroseed, at Port Raúl Marín Balmaceda, Chile.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to perform a low-altitude pass to assess landing conditions preceded the aircraft striking the ground on its belly.

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