What happened
On December 18, 2013, at approximately 06:10 local time, an Air Tractor AT 502-B, registration CX-QCH-R, crashed shortly after departing from the Treinta y Tres Departmental Airport in Uruguay. The aircraft, operated by Charles Chalkling S.A., was performing a repositioning flight to an agricultural site approximately 38.5 km away for urea application tasks.
Following takeoff from runway 19, the aircraft climbed into a dense layer of fog and mist. Witnesses at the airfield reported that the aircraft disappeared from view upon entering the fog. Shortly thereafter, observers heard a change in the engine note, suggesting a right-hand turn, followed by an explosion and the sight of flames south of the aerodrome. The aircraft struck a perimeter wall of a nearby residence and caught fire upon impact. The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
The CIAIA investigation examined the flight history, meteorological conditions, and the aircraft's mechanical state. The pilot had extensive experience, with over 4,400 total flight hours, including 3,400 hours in agricultural aviation. The investigation included a field examination of the wreckage, interviews with witnesses and company personnel, and a technical inspection of the engine conducted by Pratt & Whitney. Investigators also reviewed video footage of the takeoff and analyzed satellite imagery and local meteorological data.
Findings
- The aircraft entered a layer of fog/mist during the initial climb, which obscured all external visual references.
- Although the pilot had contacted the support team to check weather conditions at the destination—and was informed that visibility was good—the local conditions at the departure airfield were characterized by heavy morning fog.
- Spatial disorientation was a significant factor, as the pilot was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) while entering IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions).
- Witnesses noted the aircraft appeared to deviate from its intended flight path (which required a left turn to a heading of 108°) by turning to the right during the climb.