On January 20, 2025, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration CC-PEC) operated by Victor Manuel Villagra Cuevas was involved in an aviation accident near Freire, Chile during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot encountered an unexpected situation shortly after takeoff which resulted in a loss of control. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft crashed in an agricultural area south of Temuco-La Araucanía Airport following a loss of control after takeoff.
What happened
Following departure from Temuco-La Araucanía Airport, the aircraft experienced an unforeseen event that led to a loss of control. The plane subsequently descended into an agricultural field situated to the south of the airfield. Upon impact, the aircraft caught fire, resulting in the total destruction of the airframe.
All four people on board were successfully retrieved from the wreckage. Among the occupants, the pilot sustained injuries, while the remaining three passengers were unharmed.
Findings
The aircraft was involved in a loss of control during the initial climb phase.
A post-crash fire caused the complete destruction of the aircraft.
Probable cause
The pilot encountered an unexpected situation shortly after takeoff which resulted in a loss of control.