The Ministry of Agriculture in Chile has confirmed that a pilot working for the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) has died following a plane crash near Panguilemo Airport (TLX). According to aerotime.aero, the Ayres Turbo Thrush aircraft was flying fire control work at around 4:30 pm local time.
CONAF reported that the accident occurred in the commune of Talca and resulted in the death of Mr. Fernando Solans, of Spanish nationality, pilot of the Turbo Trush operated by Air Andes.
Xinhuanet reported that the crash on a highway in south-central Chile also injured three people in a car.
A witness’s video indicated that the plane’s wing appeared to clip wires hanging between two utility poles before the SEAT crashed onto Route 5 South in Talca, Maule Region.
~ Thanks and a tip of the hardhat to Tim for the news note.
First of all, he was way too low for the drop, too fast, and it appears he hit the hydro pole immediately after the drop. As I see it, another unnecessary death!
To cut the wing off like that he MAY have hit a guy wire ninety degrees to the power lines.
Any aircraft incident investigators in the room? It’s not like we can wait for the NTSB report.
Prayers for his family and friends.
May Fernando rest in peace.
This is a brutal reminder that unnoticed power lines can be a deadly trap for aircraft flying low level.