Introduction
On February 7, 2025, at approximately 07:05 local time, a Piper PA-25-235 Pawnee, registration HR-AFM, operated by Servicio de Fumigación Aérea (SERFA), was involved in an accident during an agricultural fumigation flight. The aircraft had departed from Aeródromo La Grecia and was bound for a field at finca La Sombra in the municipality of Marcovia, department of Choluteca, Honduras.
Flight Sequence
Shortly after takeoff, while positioning to apply chemicals, the pilot noted a slight change in engine RPM and an increase in temperature. He decided to return to the departure aerodrome, which was 7 nautical miles away, and initiated an emergency procedure to release the chemical load and gain altitude to 500 feet. During the return flight, oil pressure continued to decrease and engine temperature further rose. After traveling 3 nautical miles, the pilot observed smoke emanating from the left side of the engine. He then conducted an emergency landing in a sugarcane field belonging to Azucarera Choluteca.
Injuries
The pilot sustained serious injuries. No passengers were aboard or injured.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft fuselage suffered significant damage, with the nose twisted downward and the landing gear detached. The engine and propeller were heavily damaged; propeller blade deformation was consistent with a stopped engine. The landing gear was found approximately 7 meters behind the aircraft. The cockpit instruments were damaged and the windshield shattered.
Other Damage
Approximately 20 square meters of sugarcane were affected by the aircraft's ground impact and subsequent slide.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a 1978 Piper PA-25-235 Pawnee, with a special airworthiness certificate issued on February 14, 2024, valid for one year. As of the provisional report, the investigation had not received requested information from the operator regarding the pilot.
Weather and Location
The accident occurred in visual meteorological conditions, during daylight after sunrise. The impact site was at coordinates 13°15'22.4"N 87°19'31.0"W, in a flat field with newly planted sugarcane approximately 15 centimeters high. The approach path contained a system of irrigation pipes oriented transversely.
Investigation
The Comision Investigadora de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviacion (CIAIA) is conducting the investigation. No probable cause has been determined at this stage. The provisional report aims to prevent recurrence and improve aviation safety.