2026 Peruvian Air Force Mil Mi-17 crash

On 22 February 2026, a Mil Mi-17 operated by the Peruvian Air Force crashed into terrain during a flood rescue in Chala District, Department Of Arequipa, Peru, [...] all 15 occupants.

Floods

The aircraft was operating on a search and rescue operation after heavy rainfall caused major flooding in Department of Arequipa and Department of Ica. Two people were killed, 5,500 homes were affected and many had to evacuate. A nationwide state of emergency was declared.

Aircraft

The aircraft involved in the accident was a Mil Mi-17 built in 1986 and operated by the Peruvian Air Force under the registation FAP-614.

Passengers and crew

The aircraft was carrying eleven passengers and four crew members. The four crew members were Major Sergio Danner Paucar Centurión, First Lieutenant Luis Fernando Huertas Cárcamo, First Class Petty Officer Kamila Chapi Anchapuri Jove and Second Class Petty Officer Leiner Aguirre Huamán. Among the eleven passengers were seven children aged between three and seventeen, three women, and a Peruvian Air Force colonel.

Accident

The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control in the afternoon of 22 February near the city of Chala. It was expected to land at about 4:20p.m. local time. Local residents said it was flying at a "fairly low altitude" over the La Caleta area during foggy conditions before crashing. An intensive search and rescue operation was launched. The wreckage of the aircraft was discovered in a mountainous area a day after at about 6:30p.m. All 15 occupants were killed, however, a small dog belonging to the colonel survived the crash.

Investigation

Officials said an investigation into the accident was launched.