Synopsis
On March 15, 2024, at about 0700 local time, an Allied Ag CAT Production, Inc. G-164A agricultural aircraft with registration RP-R5859 was involved in an accident during a rejected take-off at Nova Vista Management and Development Aerodrome in Barangay Tagnanan, Mabini, Davao de Oro, Philippines. The aircraft, operated by Davao Aerowurkz Corporation, was conducting agricultural spraying operations. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
History of Flight
During the take-off roll for the first swathing operation of the day, the pilot noticed the engine losing power. He immediately added power but observed that the rpm did not increase. The pilot then decided to reject the take-off by retarding the throttle to idle while maintaining runway heading. After the tailwheel touched the ground, the pilot applied brakes to stop the aircraft, but it began to swerve left. Despite applying right rudder to return to the centerline, the aircraft continued left, made a ground loop, and came to a full stop upright after the right wing and right main landing gear struck an embankment. The final resting position was at grid coordinates 7.244767N, 125.846502E. The pilot egressed safely.
Aircraft and Personnel
The aircraft, a 1975 G-164A (serial number 1006), was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-985 AN-14B engine and equipped with a Hamilton Standard propeller. The pilot, a 30-year-old Filipino male, held a Commercial Pilot License with a type rating for the Ag Cat G-164A and had 500 hours on type and 700 total hours. His medical certificate was valid, and no medical impediment was identified.
Analysis and Conclusion
The investigation determined that the pilot encountered an engine power loss during the take-off roll. After initiating a rejected take-off, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control, leading to a ground loop and impact with an embankment. The aircraft sustained substantial damage but no post-crash fire occurred. The cockpit integrity remained intact, and the seat and restraints functioned properly. The probable cause was attributed to the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft following the rejected take-off.