A Peruvian military helicopter crashed during a flood rescue operation in the Arequipa region, killing at least 15 people, the country's air force confirmed on Monday, February 24, 2026. According to the air force statement, the victims included four crew members and eleven passengers. Rescue teams recovered the bodies at the crash site near the city of Chala, about 300 kilometers from Arequipa.

The Russian-made MI-17 helicopter lost radio contact while participating in the rescue mission. It had taken off from Pisco city in the Ica region before the crash. The Arequipa region has recently suffered severe flooding, prompting the military to conduct relief and rescue operations to assist affected residents.

Authorities have not yet provided details on the cause of the crash, but the incident underscores the risks faced by rescue teams operating in disaster-hit areas.