BBC News - Chile air force plane disappears over Pacific
Chile air force plane disappears over Pacific
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A Chilean air force plane has disappeared over the Pacific Ocean on its way to the remote Juan Fernandez islands, military officials have said.
Local media said there were 21 people on board the aircraft.
The mayor of the islands, Leopoldo Gonzalez, said weather conditions were rough and windy, and remains of the plane had been seen in the water.
Media reports say a TV crew was on the plane, including well-known presenter Felipe Camiroaga.
Chilean Defence Minister Andres Allamand said the Casa-212 military plane had tried twice to land unsuccessfully at Juan Fernandez island airport, 830 km (515 miles) from the country's coast, before it went missing, Reuters reports.
Mr Gonzalez said rescue boats have been searching for the wreckage, but have so far found only some suitcases.