2023 Allied Ag Cat G-164 accident in Davao de Oro (RP-R1423)

Incident Overview and Investigation Authority On December 20, 2023, at approximately 0645 local time, an Allied Ag Cat Productions, Inc. G-164 aircraft with registry number RP-R1423 sustained substantial damage following a forced landing at Purok 5, Barangay Concepcion, Maco, Davao de Oro, Philippines. The aircraft was owned and operated by South Pacific Aerial Spraying Services (SPASS), based at Francisco Bangoy Airport in Sasa, Davao City. The incident was investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board (AAIIB) of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), which released the final report on May 31, 2024. ## Flight History and Operational Context The aircraft had taken off from the MEPI airstrip in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, to conduct agricultural spraying operations. The accident occurred after the pilot completed the second round of spraying activities at a banana plantation in the area. According to the pilot, the engine sputtered while executing a turn just after completing the fourth line of spraying for the second sortie. Despite attempts to regain power by adjusting throttle settings, the engine continued to sputter and lose power, causing the aircraft to lose altitude. ## Forced Landing and Damage Assessment The pilot selected a small clearing within the banana plantation for a forced landing after deciding against a nearby creek due to uncertainty regarding water depth. The pilot exited the aircraft and sustained minor injuries, while no passengers were on board. The aircraft incurred substantial damage to its wings, lower fuselage, and engine. Additionally, damage to at least twenty banana crops was noted at the accident site. ## Probable Cause and Safety Findings The investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was fuel starvation due to a clogged fuel filter. The aircraft was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC). The pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot License and Class 1 medical certificate, with significant total flying time and experience on the Ag Cat G-164 type.