What happened
On July 20, 2011, at approximately 07:20 a.m., a Piper PA-25-235 aircraft, registration HI 432, was conducting agricultural spraying operations over a banana plantation in Guajaca, Villa Elisa, Montecristi. The aircraft, operated by Agricultura Aérea S.A. (AGRIASA), had departed from Piloto Mao airfield to apply fungicide.
While executing a right-hand turn to establish a North-South flight path for the first pass, the aircraft struck a shield wire located between two high-voltage transmission towers. The impact caused the aircraft to become entangled with the wire and plummet into the terrain. The aircraft underwent several rolls upon impact, resulting in the total destruction of the airframe. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to exit the wreckage via the cockpit door.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the pilot's credentials, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators reviewed the aircraft's maintenance logs, which showed the plane had a valid airworthiness certificate and had undergone its last annual inspection in September 2010. The engine and propeller were found to be in functional condition with no mechanical failures reported prior to the impact.
Regarding the pilot, while the individual held a valid commercial pilot license and a current medical certificate, investigators noted a lack of documented formal training specifically for agricultural flight operations within the operator's files. Meteorological data indicated calm winds and good visibility at the time of the occurrence.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was human error, specifically an incorrect maneuvering technique where the pilot entered the spray area at an altitude that was too low.
- The high-voltage transmission shield wires in the area lacked any visible marking or warning beacons.
- There was no documented evidence that the pilot had received formal specialized training for aerial application (crop spraying).
- The operator, AGRIASA, did not maintain records verifying the pilot's specific agricultural flight qualifications.
Safety action
- The CIAA recommended that the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC) request the national electric company (CDEEE) to install signaling beacons on shield wires near areas used for agricultural spraying.
- It was recommended that the "Agricultural Flight" rating be explicitly reinstated in the pilot licensing format to ensure clear verification of specialized competencies.