Peruvian Air Force Helicopter Lost Contact with 15 People Aboard; Search Efforts Underway
A Peruvian Air Force (FAP) Mi-17 helicopter carrying 15 people – four crew members and 11 passengers – lost contact on Monday, February 23, 2026, while en route from Pisco, in the Ica region, to Chala, in the Arequipa region of Peru. The FAP immediately activated its search and rescue (SAR) system following the loss of communication, initiating a large-scale operation involving ground forces, special patrols, and aerial support. The incident has prompted a national response as authorities work to locate the aircraft and determine the circumstances surrounding its disappearance. This incident occurs amidst recent severe weather events impacting Peru, including heavy rains and landslides that have already affected thousands.
According to a statement released by the FAP, the helicopter departed from Pisco at approximately 4:30 p.m. Local time on a scheduled mission. The crew consisted of Major Sergio Páucar Centurión, the pilot; First Lieutenant Luis Huerta Cárcamo, the co-pilot; First Sergeant Kamila Anchapuri Jove, and Second Sergeant Leiner Aguirre Huamán. The FAP has confirmed direct contact has been established with the families of those on board to provide support and maintain them informed of developments. The loss of contact triggered an immediate and comprehensive search effort, prioritizing the safety and recovery of all those involved.
Search and Rescue Operations Focused on Arequipa Region
The search operation is concentrated in the area surrounding Chala, Arequipa, the helicopter’s intended destination. The FAP has deployed both aerial resources and ground teams, working in coordination with the Peruvian National Police (PNP). According to reports, the helicopter was last known to be flying at a relatively low altitude near La Caleta when witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion, suggesting a possible crash. One witness told Latina news that, due to the fog, “the helicopter or the pilot didn’t realize [something was wrong].”
On February 23, 2026, the FAP announced the discovery of the wreckage in Chala Viejo, in the Caravelí province of Arequipa. Tragically, all 15 individuals on board were confirmed deceased. La República reported that among the victims were seven minors. The FAP confirmed in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that the wreckage contained the bodies of 11 passengers and four crew members. The identities of all those involved have not yet been officially released, but reports indicate that some of the passengers were family members of FAP colonels.
Details of the Ill-Fated Flight and Aircraft
The Mi-17 helicopter, a medium-sized transport aircraft of Russian manufacture, was being used for a mission described as “programmed” by the FAP. The Associated Press reported that the aircraft was also intended to provide support for paratrooper training exercises. The Mi-17 is a widely used helicopter in Peru, with several models having been acquired between 1990 and 2014. This is not the first incident involving a Mi-17 in Peru; in October of last year, another Mi-17 crashed in a gold mining region, resulting in the death of a military officer involved in combating illegal mining operations.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the accident, but the challenging weather conditions in the region, including heavy fog and recent rainfall, are being considered as potential contributing factors. The area around Chala has experienced significant rainfall in recent days, leading to landslides and disruptions to transportation, as reported by El Comercio, which noted that over 2,000 people have been affected and 78 left homeless by the recent storms in Arequipa.
National Mourning and Ongoing Investigations
The loss of the FAP helicopter and its passengers has prompted an outpouring of grief and condolences across Peru. The FAP has expressed its deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims and has pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. The Peruvian government has not yet declared a national day of mourning, but officials are expected to address the nation in the coming days to provide further updates on the situation and outline plans for supporting the affected families.
The investigation into the crash will be led by the FAP’s Directorate of Aeronautical Safety and will involve a thorough examination of the wreckage, flight data recorders (if recovered), and witness testimonies. Investigators will also review maintenance records and weather data to determine if any mechanical failures or environmental factors contributed to the accident. The findings of the investigation will be crucial in preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
This tragedy underscores the inherent risks associated with military aviation, particularly in challenging terrain and weather conditions. The FAP regularly conducts missions in remote and mountainous regions of Peru, providing essential transportation and support to communities across the country. The loss of this helicopter and its crew serves as a stark reminder of the dedication and sacrifice of the men and women who serve in the Peruvian armed forces.
As of February 23, 2026, recovery efforts are ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure the dignified repatriation of the remains of the victims to their families. The FAP has committed to providing ongoing support to the families throughout the grieving process. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
Key Takeaways:
- A Peruvian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter crashed in the Arequipa region on February 23, 2026, killing all 15 people on board.
- The helicopter was traveling from Pisco to Chala on a scheduled mission.
- The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, with weather conditions being considered as a potential factor.
- The FAP has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and has pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
The investigation into the cause of this devastating crash is ongoing. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and condolences in the comments below.