# Argentina helicopter crash investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/argentina-helicopter-crash-investigation
> Updated: 2026-08-21T07:24:05.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

On 29 July, a helicopter conducting a forest-fire training flight crashed in Valle Fértil, near the Ischigualasto Provincial Park in Argentina. The accident killed seven senior officials, including the sub-chief of the San Juan police, the fire chief, and the director of civil protection. 

Federal prosecutor Francisco Maldonado is leading the investigation. Aviation authorities have removed the flight data recorder for analysis by the aircraft manufacturer, with results expected in approximately one to one and a half months. Investigators are also conducting autopsies, toxicology tests, and technical examinations to determine if the crash was an accident or involved criminal liability.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Kenya helicopter crash investigation includes US and France

International investigators from the US and France are joining Kenya to probe a fatal helicopter crash in Samburu County that killed seven people, including high-ranking intelligence and media officials.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kenya-helicopter-crash-investigation-includes-us-and-france

### 2026-08-02: Investigation continues after Valle Fértil helicopter crash kills seven officials

A helicopter crash during a forest‑fire training flight in Valle Fértil, Argentina, killed seven officials. Prosecutor Francisco Maldonado leads the probe, with the black box sent to the manufacturer and a 1‑1.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/investigation-continues-after-valle-frtil-helicopter-crash-kills-seven-officials

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Cite as: Argentina helicopter crash investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/argentina-helicopter-crash-investigation