Accident Details
On May 13, 2008, at approximately 1700 central standard time, a Cessna T188C, Ecuadorian registration HC-BOR, operated by AIFA Incorporated, crashed following a loss of engine power while on an aerial application flight. The flight had originated from La Estrella Airstrip, La Planada, Ecuador, earlier that day at an unspecified time. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Sequence of Events
According to information from the Ecuadorian Subdireccion de Aviacion Civil, the aircraft was at an altitude of 60 feet above the plants when the pilot noted a drop in engine RPM. The pilot discontinued the application and climbed to 300 feet while turning toward the airstrip. About three minutes into the return flight, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power, and the propeller stopped rotating simultaneously. During the subsequent forced landing, the aircraft collided with a cable used to transport produce within the plantation. The airplane then impacted the ground in a nose-low attitude.
Investigation
This investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Ecuador. Further information can be obtained from the Direccion General de Aviacion Civil in Quito, Ecuador.