What happened
On September 12, 2013, at approximately 06:30 a.m., a Cessna A 188B agricultural aircraft, registration HI 854, was preparing for a flight operation in Boca de Mao, Valverde, Dominican Republic. The aircraft, operated by FUMCA, S.R.L., was intended to perform agricultural spraying of inputs on a nearby plantation.
During the takeoff roll on the company's private runway, the aircraft utilized the full length of the strip before becoming airborne. Shortly after liftoff, the aircraft lost lift at a low altitude and plummeted into a banana plantation. The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, escaped the crash without any injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including structural deformation to the fuselage, wings, and empennage, as well as damage to the propeller and landing gear.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation focused on the aircraft's configuration and the pilot's actions during the takeoff phase. Investigators examined the engine, including the spark plugs, fuel distributor, and oil levels, finding no mechanical failures. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's records, noting a commercial pilot license with 12,000 flight hours, and confirmed that the weather conditions were favorable for flight, with high visibility and no significant meteorological impediments.
Findings
- The pilot failed to follow the standard takeoff checklist, resulting in an improper aircraft configuration.
- The pilot attempted to use full flaps after passing the point of no return on the runway to force the aircraft to lift, which created a momentary false lift followed by a total loss of lift.
- The heavy weight of the 180-gallon chemical load contributed to the inability to maintain flight after the loss of lift.
Safety action
- The CIAA recommends that the operator, FUMCA, S.R.L., ensure all pilots strictly adhere to the procedures and checklists outlined in the company's General Operations Manual.