External load operations (carrying food and supplies to a mining camp in Colchagua) at 12,700ft amsl but only 50m above the ground when an engine problem caused pilot to jettison the load and take evasive action, descending to the right intending flying down a gorge. Sadly the pilot, named as Francisco Bismara from Argentina, died in the ensuing crash when it hit the ground shortly after.

Date:

12 March, 2015

Reg:

CC-CLD

Make:

Eurocopter

Model:

SA315

MSN:

2553

Location:

Rancagua 34°45'20.1"S 70°20'12.8"W

Civil / Military:

Civil

Fatalities:

1

Operator:

Discovery-Air

Link:

http://www.bea.aero/fr/enquetes/2015/2015.semaine.12.pdf

Link:

http://www.biobiochile.cl/2015/03/12/helicoptero-capoto-mientras-realizaba-trabajos-forestales-en-sector-puente-negro-de-san-fernando.shtml

Link:

http://www.biobiochile.cl/2015/03/13/gope-de-carabineros-rescata-cuerpo-de-piloto-argentino-tras-accidente-aereo-en-san-fernando.shtml