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Peru Air Force Helicopter Crash in Arequipa Kills 15 as Recovery Effort Begins

Investigators are examining weather and operational factors after witnesses reported dense fog and low‑altitude flying near Chala.

Overview

  • Specialized teams plan a multi‑hour trek to the remote Chala Viejo site to retrieve bodies and secure evidence for authorities.
  • The Mi‑17 was flying from Pisco to support flood response and civic‑action tasks when radio contact was lost around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
  • All four crew members and eleven passengers died, including seven minors; commanders said the flight was an authorized civic‑action mission that can include registered family members.
  • Air Force officials said the helicopter was declared operational, had a major inspection in November 2024, and logged roughly 288 flight hours since then.
  • The Air Force activated its accident investigation board to review maintenance records, the flight plan and communications, and to analyze meteorological data from the area.