Accident Details
On September 25, 2009, at approximately 1330 central standard time, a Piper PA-18-150, Ecuadorian registration HC-AHD, crashed during an approach for landing at Pista Bardones in El Oro, Ecuador. The aircraft was owned and operated by FumiPalma S.A. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed. The accident resulted in the destruction of the airplane by a post-crash fire, and the pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries.
Flight History
According to information from the Ecuadorian Subdireccion de Aviacion Civil, the pilot had performed several touch-and-go landings and then took a break before the accident flight. After the break, the pilot boarded a passenger for a local pleasure flight. Approximately 10 minutes after departure from the same airstrip, the airplane was observed approaching for landing. At that time, the engine ceased producing power, and the airplane impacted the terrain approximately 1,970 feet short of the intended airstrip. A fire erupted immediately following the impact.
Investigation
The investigation into this accident is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Ecuador. Further information can be obtained from the Direccion General de Aviacion Civil, Departamento de Seguridad de Vuelo, in Quito, Republic of Ecuador.