Accident Overview
On 26 March 1977, at approximately 15:00 local time, a Cessna 188-AGTRUCK (registration CS-AOG) operated by SANAGRI – Serviços Aéreos de Sanidade Agrícola, Ldª. was involved in an accident during agricultural spraying operations. The aircraft was conducting a spraying run over Herdade do Peso, near Vidigueira, Portugal. The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's report, while the aircraft was in flight and turning to start the second row of spraying, the engine partially failed, causing a loss of altitude. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground in a glancing blow. Despite the impact, the pilot was able to continue the flight and landed the aircraft at the departure airstrip, which was very close to the accident site.
Aircraft and Operator
The aircraft was a single-engine Cessna 188 AGTRUCK, a fixed-landing-gear, low-wing monoplane designed for agricultural work. It was equipped with a variable-pitch propeller and was certified for flight, with all documents in order. SANAGRI, based in Évora, operated the aircraft for agricultural spraying.
Weather and Injuries
Weather conditions at the time were good, with light winds, and were not considered a factor in the accident. The pilot, the only person on board, was uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage as documented in the maintenance technician's report.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be a possible incorrect adjustment of the fuel system.