NYC08WA209

On June 7, 2008, about 1350 Chilean local time, a Cessna 208B, Chilean registry CC-CTR, operated by Patagonia Airlines, was substantially damaged when it impacted mountainous terrain about 18 kilometers west of La Junta, Aysen Region, Chile. The Chilean certificated commercial pilot was fatally injured, and the nine passengers incurred minor injuries. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at Puerto Montt-Marcel Marchant Airport (SCPF), Puerto Montt, Chile, and was destined for La Junta Airport (SCLJ), La Junta, Chile. The unscheduled passenger flight was conducted under Chilean flight regulations.

According to Chilean authorities, the airplane departed Puerto Montt at 1317, with an endurance of 3 hours and 30 minutes. When the airplane hadn't arrived at La Junta by that time, a search and rescue effort began. An emergency locator transmitter signal led rescuers to the general area of the accident; however, inclement weather prevented the airplane's discovery for several days. The airplane was finally located on June 11, 2008.

The accident investigation is under the jurisdiction of the government of Chile. Further information may be obtained from:

Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil

Departamento Prevencion de Accidentes

Elena Blanco 1050, Providencia

Santiago, Chile

Tel: 56-2-4368141

Fax: 56-2-4368142

Email: segvuel@dgac.cl

http://www.dgac.cl/portal/page?_pageid=239,83172&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

This report is for informational purposes only, and only contains information obtained for or released by the government of Chile.