No fatalities

8 Aug 2014: PIPER PA-25-260 — Sanidad Vegetal Cruz Verde S.A.S. — Tolima, Colombia

Tolima, Colombia

On 8 Aug 2014, a PIPER PA-25-260 operated by Sanidad Vegetal Cruz Verde S.A.S. was involved in an aviation accident near Tolima, Colombia. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cockpit control stick separated during low-level flight, leading to loss of control and impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

On August 8, 2014, a Piper PA-25-260 (HK1680) impacted terrain near Tolimo, Colombia, after the cockpit control stick separated during low-level spray preparation. The pilot was seriously injured and the aircraft substantially damaged.

Accident Details

On August 8, 2014, at approximately 2215 coordinated universal time, a Piper PA-25-260, Colombian registration HK1680, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Tolimo, Colombia. The flight was conducting local aerial application operations under Colombian flight regulations.

Sequence of Events

According to preliminary information released by the Government of Colombia, the airplane was flying at low altitude as the pilot prepared to apply spray. During this phase, the cockpit control stick separated, resulting in a loss of control. Subsequently, the aircraft collided with terrain.

Injuries and Damage

The pilot sustained serious injuries. The aircraft experienced substantial damage.

Investigation

The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Colombia. Further information may be obtained from the Grupo Investigación de Accidentes of the Unidad Administrativa Especial de Aeronáutica Civil in Bogota, Colombia.

Probable cause

The cockpit control stick separated during low-level flight, leading to loss of control and impact with terrain.