What happened
On January 12, 2011, a Piper PA25-260, registration HI 269, was conducting its third agricultural spraying flight of the day near the Peñuela aerodrome in the Dominican Republic. Approximately 20 minutes after takeoff, the pilot experienced a sudden loss of engine power, accompanied by heavy vibrations and a drop in oil pressure.
Realizing the engine was failing, the pilot attempted to return to the aerodrome. However, due to the critical condition of the engine, the aircraft could not reach the runway. The pilot executed an emergency procedure, jettisoning the agricultural load to reduce weight, and performed a controlled landing on a flat, plowed field near the airfield. The pilot was uninjured, and the aircraft sustained no structural damage.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the Lycoming O-540-G1A5 engine. The engine had recently undergone an overhaul and had 502 hours since that service. The engine was sent to the manufacturer, Lycoming Engines, for laboratory analysis.
Investigators also examined the aircraft's airframe, noting evidence of advanced corrosion in certain structural areas. The meteorological conditions at the time of the incident were favorable, with calm winds, unlimited visibility, and a cloud ceiling above 3,000 feet.