Introduction
On April 15, 2019, at approximately 0520 hours local time, an Allied Ag Cat Productions Inc. G-164A agricultural aircraft, registration RP-R2354, operated by South Pacific Aerial Spraying Services (SPASS), was substantially damaged following a departure stall near Lambayong Airstrip in Brgy. Sigayan, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, Philippines. The aircraft was conducting an agricultural spraying operation under visual meteorological conditions (VMC).
Flight History
The pilot intended to ferry the aircraft to a spraying area in Datu Sangki, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat for the first operation of the day. After takeoff from Delinanas Lambayong Aerodrome using Runway 18, the pilot reported that the initial climb was shallow. He decided to return to the runway and initiated a right turn, during which the aircraft entered a stall and subsequently impacted the ground. The aircraft came to rest on marshland and caught fire. The final resting point was recorded at coordinates 6°49.305'N, 124°34.485'E, with a last heading of 228 degrees. Fire consumed the engine, cockpit, fuselage, and part of the wings.
Injuries and Survival
The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries to the face and nose. He was initially treated at Tacorong City Hospital and later transferred to Metro Davao General Hospital for further observation. The pilot was reported in stable condition. He egressed the aircraft before the fire broke out.
Aircraft and Operator Information
The aircraft was an Allied Ag Cat G-164A, serial number 1574, with a total time in service of 12,862.55 hours as of April 14, 2019. It was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-14B radial engine with 919.05 hours since overhaul. The propeller was a Hamilton Standard 2D30/421. SPASS held an Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate (AAOC) valid through March 23, 2020. The aircraft was listed in the operator's authorized fleet.
Meteorological and Flight Conditions
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The aircraft was equipped with a VHF radio for communication with other pilots and ground personnel. No flight recorders were installed, nor were they required by regulation.
Wreckage and Fire
The aircraft settled on marshland and caught fire upon impact. The engine, cockpit, fuselage, and a portion of the wings were destroyed by fire.
Investigation Findings
The investigation attributed the cause of the occurrence to the pilot's failure to control the aircraft in flight, resulting in a departure stall.