Here are the stories for today...
Looks like the image issues from yesterday have been addressed, so we're back to normal, I think!
Be safe out there!
Tom
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Three crew members die in a helicopter crash involving the company Helisur at the Malvinas gas plant in Cusco
The aircraft was performing loading maneuvers within the complex operated by Pluspetrol, in the Megantoni district.
By Jazmine Angulo
On the afternoon of Wednesday, October 29, the
tranquility of operations at the Malvinas natural gas plant in the Megantoni district of La Convención province (Cusco) was interrupted by a helicopter crash that claimed the lives of three people. A helicopter belonging to the company Helisur, contracted for cargo handling, crashed within the air operations area of the complex managed by Pluspetrol.
According to official information, the accident occurred around 2:30 pm , while the aircraft was performing logistical maneuvers in an area with constant air traffic due to the transport of supplies and technical personnel . There were three crew members on board—a pilot, a co-pilot, and a mechanic—all employees of Helisur, who died instantly.
In the La Convención region , air operations play a key role in transporting supplies to energy projects located deep in the Amazon. Helisur's helicopters are frequently used by companies in the hydrocarbon sector to connect areas that can only be reached by air or river.
Immediate response and institutional coordination
In a statement, Pluspetrol expressed its condolences for the accident and detailed the measures taken after learning of the incident. “It is with great sadness that we confirm the tragic deaths of the three people,” the company stated, adding that, in addition to Helisur's air emergency response plan, “our emergency response system for this type of emergency was also immediately activated to carry out the necessary procedures.”
The company also indicated that it "maintains constant communication and coordination with the company Helisur; as well as with the corresponding authorities" to facilitate investigations and rescue and recovery actions in the area.
In the same statement, Pluspetrol specified that the accident occurred “while the helicopter was performing cargo handling maneuvers in the air operations area of the Malvinas Natural Gas Plant.” The aircraft was carrying out routine tasks within the operation's logistics plan.
Report from the Ministry of Transport and Communications
The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) issued a statement confirming that the helicopter involved in the accident belonged to the company Helicópteros del Sur SA (Helisur), registration number OB-2019P , model MI-171 . “Today, at approximately 2:30 p.m., an air accident occurred involving a helicopter belonging to the company Helicópteros del Sur SA (Helisur), registration number OB-2019P, model MI-171. The aircraft was conducting air operations in the area of the Malvinas natural gas plant, in the district of Megantoni, province of La Convención, Cusco region,” the official statement specified.
The ministry expressed its solidarity with the families of the victims: “The MTC stands in solidarity with the families of the three crew members who were traveling on the aircraft and who unfortunately lost their lives.”
He also reported that the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) notified the Aviation Accident Investigation Commission (CIAA) , which is in charge of initiating the corresponding technical actions to determine the causes of the accident.
Air operations and context
Sources from Infobae Peru indicated that Helisur provides air transport services to various companies involved in energy exploration and production in the jungle . The company routinely transports personnel and materials in the area. On this occasion, the air operation involved crew members, who died, who were working within the Malvinas complex.
Local authorities in Megantoni were notified of the incident and teams were deployed to secure the area and coordinate the arrival of specialists tasked with investigating the causes of the accident.
Osinergmin's reaction and the plant's situation
The Supervisory Agency for Investment in Energy and Mining (Osinergmin) also issued a statement regarding the accident. “In light of the plane crash at the Malvinas natural gas plant reported by Pluspetrol, Osinergmin deeply regrets the deaths of the aircraft's crew members,” the agency stated in a press release.
The agency also clarified that the accident occurred outside the direct operations area of the hydrocarbon facilities. "It has been verified that the operation and supply of natural gas have not been affected," it added. The agency indicated that it is maintaining constant monitoring of the plant's parameters and direct communication with the operating company to guarantee continuity of service.
Sources connected to the energy complex explained that, despite the proximity of the accident, the impact zone did not compromise the main structures or the natural gas transportation systems. However, the area was temporarily cordoned off to facilitate the work of experts and rescue teams.
https://www.infobae.com/peru/2025/10/29/tres-tripulantes-mueren-en-accidente-de-helicoptero-en-planta-de-gas-de-malvinas-en-cusco/
Pilot dies after his plane crashes in Putaendo: aircraft ends up in flames
By Samuel Fuentes and Jean Valencia
A small plane crashed Wednesday afternoon in the
commune of Putaendo , Valparaíso region , killing its pilot at the scene .
According to information gathered by Radio Bío Bío, the unfortunate plane crash occurred around 7:00 p.m. in the rural area of 21 de mayo in the aforementioned commune.
After being alerted, the Carabineros went to the Segovia Alley in that sector, finding the aircraft completely wrecked on a plot of land with its pilot dead.
The victim was identified as Fernando Tapia, president of the San Felipe flying club . This was confirmed by the mayor of the municipality, Carmen Castillo, who emphasized that the plane crashed “in an area with no houses.”
“ We deeply regret his death, we regret everything this family is going through right now , as they surely learn of this tragedy. We send them our love and support as a municipality,” he stated.
“We want to point out that one of our staff members is related to the president, and we send him our deepest condolences for this very sad and dramatic situation,” he said.
“At this time we are approaching the area where the events took place in order to clarify what we can contribute from the municipality, to provide complete assurance about what happened,” he added.
Fatal plane crash in Putaendo: DGAC will investigate the cause
The plane crash caused a grassland fire, which was brought under control by firefighters.
It should be noted that both Carabineros and SAMU attended the site of the emergency, the cause of which is under investigation.
Investigators from the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) are expected to arrive at the scene in the coming hours to conduct the necessary investigations to determine the cause of the tragic accident.
https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-valparaiso/2025/10/29/reportan-caida-de-avioneta-en-san-felipe.shtml
NTSB Final Report: Cessna A185F
Pilot’s Selection Of An Unsuitable Landing Area Resulting In An On-Ground Collision With An Obscured Log
Location: Haines, Alaska Accident Number: ANC25LA096
Date & Time: August 18, 2025, 15:59 Local Registration: N9BB
Aircraft: Cessna A185F Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
Analysis: The pilot reported that he was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane in an area of tidal, grass covered terrain. After touchdown, during the landing roll out, the left main landing gear wheel struck a large log that was obscured by the tall grass, which resulted in the left main landing gear separation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left main landing gear attachment point (gearbox assembly). The pilot reported that there were no pre accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s selection of an unsuitable landing area resulting in an on-ground collision with an obscured log and a main landing gear separation.
FMI: www.ntsb.gov
Today in History
50 Years ago today: On 30 October 1975 Inex-Adria flight 450, a DC-9-30, impacted terrain while on on approach to Prague-Ruzyne Airport, Czech Republic, killing 75 occupants; 45 survived the accident.
| Date: | Thursday 30 October 1975 |
| Time: | 09:20 |
| Type: | McDonnell Douglas DC-9-32 |
| Owner/operator: | Inex-Adria Aviopromet |
| Registration: | YU-AJO |
| MSN: | 47457/620 |
| Year of manufacture: | 1971 |
| Engine model: | P&W JT8D-9 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 75 / Occupants: 120 |
| Other fatalities: | 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed, written off |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | 8 km NE of Praha-Ruzyne International Airport (PRG) - Czech Republic |
| Phase: | Approach |
| Nature: | Passenger - Non-Scheduled/charter/Air Taxi |
| Departure airport: | Tivat Airport (TIV/LYTV) |
| Destination airport: | Praha-Ruzyne International Airport (PRG/LKPR) |
| Confidence Rating: | Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources |
Narrative:
Inex-Adria flight 450, a DC-9-30, impacted terrain while on on approach to Prague-Ruzyne Airport, Czech Republic, killing 75 occupants; 45 survived the accident.
Weather at Prague was poor. Fog at Ruzyne Airport reduced the visibility to 1500 m. The Inex Adria charter flight from Tivat (TIV) had been cleared for a runway 24 approach. After completing a right inbound turn, the crew descended below MDA and below airport level. The DC-9 entered a gorge over the River Vltava with high ground ahead and on the sides. The pilot selected full power to climb over the high ground. The airplane struck trees and a building and crashed at an elevation 300 ft below runway level.
Reportedly ILS and PAR approached were not available at the time of the accident.
