History of Flight
On September 23, 2021, at approximately 0630 hours local time, an Allied Ag-Cat G-164A aircraft, registered as RP-R2508, was engaged in an aerial chemical spraying operation. While cruising for its third load of the day, the left wing tip struck a falcata tree. The pilot performed a forced landing in a nearby open area, with the aircraft coming to rest upright on a heading of 330 degrees at coordinates 07°24.19' N, 125°87.45' E. After shutting down the engine, the pilot egressed safely.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot, who was the sole occupant, did not sustain any injuries. No other persons were involved.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was substantially damaged.
Personnel Information
The pilot held a Commercial Pilot License (CPL No. 106315) valid until September 30, 2021, with type ratings for Single Engine Land (S2RT) and Agcat G-164A/B. His Class 1 medical certificate was valid until March 17, 2022. He had approximately 6,000 hours on the accident aircraft type and 24,000 total flight hours.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft, an Allied Agcat Productions Inc. AG-CAT G-164A (serial number 1602), was manufactured in 1977. It was registered to South Pacific Aerial Spraying Services with a Certificate of Airworthiness valid until September 30, 2021, and a Certificate of Registration valid until April 17, 2024. Total aircraft time was 13,424 hours and 55 minutes as of the last Certificate of Airworthiness. The aircraft was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-983 AN-14B engine (serial number JP-204965) with 561 hours and 15 minutes since new, and equipped with a Hamilton Standard 2D30 propeller (serial number W22397) with 738 hours and 35 minutes since new.
Meteorological Information
Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) prevailed at the time of the accident.
Aids to Navigation
The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), requiring the pilot to maintain visual reference to the ground and avoid obstructions and other aircraft.
Communications
Normal communications were maintained between the pilot and other aircraft operating in the area.
Aerodrome Information
The flight originated from Nova Vista & Development Corporation Airstrip in Tagnanan, Davao de Oro, with coordinates 07°15'07 N, 125°50'29 E. The airstrip had a runway of 890 meters by 30 meters, macadam surface, and was oriented 14/32. A wind cone was operational, and the airstrip held CAAP Permit to Operate AGA-P-009A-2013.
Flight Recorders
The aircraft was not equipped with flight recorders, and existing regulations did not require them.
Wreckage and Impact Information
After the collision, the aircraft forced landed and came to a full stop in an upright position, heading 330 degrees.
Medical and Pathological Information
Post-incident medical and drug tests showed no significant findings. However, a post-flight accident medical examination by the Office of the Flight Surgeon and Aviation Medicine (OFSAM) found medical impediments that hindered the pilot from performing flying duties.
Fire
No traces of post-impact fire were found within the aircraft perimeter.
Search and Survival Aspects
The pilot egressed safely on his own after performing an engine shutdown.
Test and Research
On February 5, 2021, an engine inspection was conducted by the operator's Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) and witnessed by an AAIIB investigator to determine if any engine malfunction or failure contributed to the accident.
Organizational and Management Information
The aircraft was operated by South Pacific Aerial Spraying Services, holder of Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate (AAOC) number 11-201009, valid until March 23, 2025, for restricted agricultural aerial spraying operations. Maintenance was performed by the same company's AMO (Certificate number 110-12), located at BTC Hangar, Gen. Aviation Area, Old Airport, Sasa, Davao City, valid until January 31, 2025.