What happened
On March 2, 2015, at approximately 12:15 p.m., a Piper PA-25-235 PAWNEE, registration HI-822, crashed into the western slope of Loma La Rucilla in the Central Cordillera, Santiago, Dominican Republic. The aircraft was performing an agricultural spraying operation, traveling from Azua toward its base in Mao Valverde.
While flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), the aircraft struck pine trees, which caused the left wing and the left main landing gear to detach. This impact caused the aircraft to lose control and enter an inverted descent, eventually striking the ground with the nose of the plane. The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained fatal injuries upon impact.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's training history, and local meteorological data. Investigators noted that the propeller blades showed damage consistent with the engine producing power at the moment of impact. The investigation also confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and had undergone its annual inspection in October 2014.
Analysis of radar data revealed no primary radar trace of the aircraft during the event, indicating the flight was being conducted at a very low altitude. Furthermore, the investigation found that the pilot lacked specific training for mountain flying, which is critical for managing the aerodynamic challenges of the Central Cordillera terrain.
Findings
- Marginal weather conditions: At the time of the accident, an Airmet had been issued for abnormal winds (25 to 30 knots) and moderate turbulence. These conditions forced the pilot to deviate from the standard flight route.
- Lack of specialized training: The pilot did not have documented training in mountain flying operations, which contributed to an inability to manage the aircraft's behavior in mountainous terrain.
- Loss of airspeed: In an attempt to maintain visual contact with the terrain and clear obstacles, the pilot sacrificed airspeed to gain altitude, leading to a loss of lift and the subsequent collision with trees.
Safety action
- The CIAA recommended that the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) instruct agricultural operators to ensure their crews receive specific training in mountain flying techniques to manage the physical phenomena encountered in such environments.