Investigation Summary
The accident occurred during a transition in local wind conditions. Initially cleared for runway 26, the crew received updated wind information (160 degrees at 6 knots) and the captain decided to switch to runway 08 for a direct approach. This decision proved critical as it resulted in a landing on a wet runway with a negative slope and a tailwind component (calculated at approximately 5 knots for runway 08). The aircraft touched down 427 meters (1,401 feet) past the threshold at 112 knots, which was significantly higher than the target touchdown speed of 103 knots. The combination of the late touchdown, high speed, and poor braking action on the contaminated surface made it impossible to stop the aircraft within the remaining runway length. The BAe 146 plunged into the frigid waters of the Beagle Channel, where the majority of the fatalities occurred.
Final Conclusions
The Chilean Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGAC) determined the probable cause was a failure of proper planning by the pilot-in-command during the approach, specifically the decision to change runways and the subsequent misapplication of landing procedures. Contributing factors included the wet runway surface, the negative slope of the runway, wind conditions, and inadequate braking action.
Video Analysis
LAN Chile 1069: A tourist flight with a tragic destiny — An analysis of the 1991 runway overrun in Puerto Williams that claimed 20 lives and impacted aviation safety in southern Chile.
If playback is blocked, the owner has disabled embedding — use the link above.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
Captain Rafael Acchiardo Nissim
First Officer
First Officer Juan Antonio Loyola Román
Systems & Failure Modes
Braking System
The aircraft's braking action was reported as 'little' due to the wet runway surface and the speed at touchdown.
Flaps and Lift Spoilers
The BAe 146 relies on large flaps and wing-mounted spoilers for deceleration as it lacks thrust reversers.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was 4 years and 6 months old at the time of the accident.
- 02The target touchdown speed was 103 knots, but the aircraft landed at 112 knots.
- 03The runway at Puerto Williams had a negative slope and was wet at the time of landing.
- 04All 20 fatalities were passengers; all 6 crew members survived the crash.
- 05The aircraft came to rest in the Beagle Channel, a narrow strait in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago.
Safety Actions & Advisories
DGAC Landing Procedure Review
Source ↗Following the investigation, the Chilean DGAC emphasized the importance of strict adherence to landing procedures and approach planning, particularly regarding runway changes in marginal weather or contaminated surface conditions.