Accident Overview
A twin-engine cargo aircraft, operating a flight from Robinson Crusoe Island to Valparaiso, crashed upon landing at Valparaiso Airport. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and one passenger, along with a load of 1,000 pounds of lobsters.
Landing and Loss of Control
The accident occurred during landing in good weather conditions. After touchdown, the aircraft went out of control, veered off the runway, crossed a road, and came to rest in a wooded area adjacent to the highway. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Occupant Injuries
Despite the severity of the crash, both the pilot and passenger escaped with minor injuries.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation found that the most likely cause of the accident was a loss of control during the flare, resulting from a loss of lift (stall) because the center of gravity (CofG) was beyond the rear limit. Contributing factors included the aircraft being unstable on its longitudinal axis due to the CofG being too far aft, and the cargo not being properly secured in the cabin.