Accident Overview
On October 13, 2021, at approximately 0715H local time, an Allied AgCat G-164A aircraft with registration RP-R4416, operated by South Pacific Aerial Spraying Services (SPASS), sustained substantial damage following a loss of engine power. The accident occurred at Purok Avocado, Barangay Pangi, Maco, Davao de Oro, Philippines, during an agricultural spraying operation. The pilot, the sole occupant, did not sustain any injury.
Flight History
The pilot had completed the third pass of chemical spraying during the fifth load and was performing a pull-up maneuver to gain altitude when the engine suddenly sputtered, followed by a loss of engine power. The pilot observed a slow decrease in engine oil pressure, dumped the remaining chemicals to gain altitude, and attempted to restart the engine. After unsuccessful restart attempts, the pilot executed a forced landing onto a banana plantation. The aircraft came to a stop with the nose in a downward position at coordinates 07’43.12” N, 125’83.40” E, on a heading of 330 degrees. The pilot safely egressed after performing an engine shutdown. No post-crash fire occurred, and visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed.
Injuries to Persons
No injuries were reported. The pilot was the only occupant.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained substantial damage. Additionally, approximately 50 banana plants were damaged during the accident.
Personnel Information
The pilot, a male born on October 30, 1951, held a Commercial Pilot License and a Class 1 medical certificate valid until April 2, 2022. He had a total flight time of 25,000+ hours, with 8,000+ hours on the AgCat G-164A type.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft, an Allied AgCat G-164A, serial number 1625, was manufactured in 1976. It was equipped with a Pratt & Whitney R-985 AN-14B engine (serial number 225071) and a Hamilton Standard propeller (serial number 786363, model 2D30). The aircraft had a total time of 8,975.12 hours.
Meteorological Information
Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed at the time of the accident.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft collided with guy wires before ground impact and came to rest in a nose-down attitude. The impact site was located at the stated coordinates.
Test and Research
On October 15, 2021, the engine was removed from the crash site and transported to the SPASS hangar. A tear-down inspection, conducted by the operator's Approved Maintenance Organization and witnessed by an AAIIB investigator, aimed to identify any engine malfunction or failure.
Probable Cause
The Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board determined that the cause factor of the accident was the separation of the cylinder head from the cylinder barrel, leading to low engine power.