What happened
On June 8, 2013, at approximately 7:00 p.m., a Cessna A 188A, registration HI 897, was performing agricultural spraying operations over a banana plantation in the community of Hatillo Palma, Monte Cristi. While performing its final pass of the evening, the aircraft struck high-voltage power lines spanning the field. The impact caused the right wing to strike a cable, which became entangled in the right main landing gear. This contact induced a sudden, violent roll and loss of control, leading to the aircraft's crash. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries and was treated for a mild head injury and other abrasions.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's training and flight history, and the physical wreckage. Investigators found that the aircraft's engine and controls were in proper working order and that the aircraft was airworthy at the time of the accident. The investigation also focused on the environmental conditions, noting that the accident occurred during twilight hours when visibility was marginal. Physical evidence at the scene included a broken segment of the high-voltage cable attached to the right main landing gear.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating during late evening hours when lighting conditions were marginal.
- There was a lack of effective visual references or signaling for the pilot to identify the hazards in the area.
- The high-voltage power lines were not equipped with warning buoys or visible markers to alert low-flying aircraft.
- The lack of visible marking on the power lines and the marginal lighting conditions were primary contributing factors to the collision.