Incident Overview
On November 15, 2015, at approximately 10:30 local time, a Piper PA-25-235 agricultural aircraft with registration CX-BTH-R was involved in an accident near Enrique Martínez, located at Kilometer 344 of Route 17 in the Treinta y Tres Department of Uruguay. The aircraft was operated by Agro Vuelos Ltda. and was engaged in crop spraying operations when it collided with electrical distribution cables.
Operational Context
The pilot had been conducting agricultural work in the area for several years, familiarizing himself with the local terrain and obstacles. On the day of the accident, the flight began with a transfer from a base near Treinta y Tres to the operational site. After waiting for fog to clear and wind conditions to stabilize, the pilot commenced spraying operations on two specific fields (chacras). The aircraft was loaded with approximately 400 liters of liquid product per pass, covering an area of 25 hectares.
Accident Sequence
During a touch-up pass toward the northwest, the pilot inadvertently flew over a strip of eucalyptus trees and struck a high-voltage power line. The impact severed part of the electrical infrastructure, causing the aircraft to descend rapidly to the ground. The plane came to rest approximately 85 meters from the point of initial contact with the lines. Debris, including brake components and support pipes, was scattered over a distance of roughly 33 meters from the final resting position.
Investigation Findings
The investigation, conducted by the Comisión Investigadora de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviación (C.I.A.I.A.), determined that the pilot escaped the aircraft unharmed without assistance. There was no post-impact fire. The primary damage to the aircraft resulted from the collision with the cables and the subsequent ground impact. Two aluminum distribution cables were also damaged.
Personnel and Aircraft Status
The pilot, a Uruguayan national born in 1977, held a commercial license and had over 3,700 total flight hours. His medical certification was valid until June 2016. The aircraft's documentation was complete and compliant with regulations. The Lycoming O-540B2C5 engine and McCauley propeller were within their maintenance limits. GPS data from the onboard AG-NAV system showed intermittent signal issues, likely due to software glitches or proximity to high-tension lines, though the pilot reported no operational difficulties prior to the accident.