What happened
On May 22, 2013, at approximately 7:45 a.m., a Cessna A188B agricultural aircraft, registration HI 912, crashed into a mangrove area near La Cangrejera, Daj/abón, Dominican Republic. The aircraft, operated by AGRIASA, had departed from the Piloto-Mao airstrip to perform agricultural spraying operations using liquid fungicides.
During the flight, the pilot reported a loss of engine power. In an attempt to maintain flight, the pilot increased power and subsequently activated the hopper discharge lever to lighten the aircraft's load. Despite these efforts, the aircraft could not maintain altitude and struck the mangrove trees. The pilot sustained minor injuries, including lacerations and abrasions, and was also treated for exposure to organophosphate compounds from the agricultural product. The aircraft suffered substantial damage, including the separation of the wings, the nose landing gear, and the engine mount, as well as a deformed propeller.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation included an examination of the wreckage, interviews with witnesses, and a detailed technical analysis of the engine at the Continental Motors facility in Mobile, Alabama.
While the pilot initially reported a loss of power, laboratory testing of the Continental IO520D engine revealed that the engine was capable of producing its rated horsepower. Investigators found significant dirt and debris within the fuel system, specifically at the fuel manifold valve and the #3 fuel injector nozzle. After cleaning the fuel system components and removing foreign debris, the engine performed normally during operational tests. The investigation also noted that the pilot was performing a low-altitude turn while the aircraft was at maximum weight capacity during the incident.
Findings
- The pilot performed a low-speed turn while the aircraft was heavily loaded with agricultural inputs.
- The aircraft lost lift during the maneuver, leading to the impact.
- Although the pilot reported an engine failure, engine testing showed the engine was capable of producing rated power once fuel system contamination was addressed.
- The pilot was exposed to organophosphate compounds during the event because the chemical load was not discharged during the emergency.