Peruvian Air Force Mi-17 Helicopter Crash Kills 15 Near Chala Viejo

Peruvian Air Force Mi-17 Helicopter Crash Kills 15 Near Chala Viejo

A Mil Mi-17 helicopter operated by the Peruvian Air Force crashed near Chala Viejo in the Arequipa region Feb. 22, 2026, killing all 15 occupants — four crew members and 11 passengers, seven of whom were minors. The aircraft lost radio contact in the afternoon and was found the following day amid intensive search operations.

The flight was en route to conduct search-and-rescue and humanitarian missions in an area hit by torrential rains and flooding. Rescue teams recovered a small dog belonging to a colonel on board as the sole survivor among the wreckage. Authorities have opened an investigation, though no official statements from the helicopter's manufacturer or technical analysis have been released.

The incident ranks among the deadliest aviation accidents reported in 2026, underscoring the risks faced by military aircraft operating in challenging weather and operational conditions. The Peruvian Air Force has pledged full cooperation with investigators and will provide updates as the inquiry progresses.