What happened
On June 29, 2016, at approximately 08:54 a.m., a Cessna A-188B agricultural sprayer, registration HI-964, was performing a takeoff roll at the Piloto-Mao Aerodrome in Montecristi, Dominican Republic. During the takeoff run, after traveling approximately 1,200 feet, the aircraft abruptly veered to the right, exiting the runway and traveling 183 feet into an adjacent cornfield characterized by irregular terrain.
The impact with the uneven ground caused severe damage to the aircraft, including a broken tailwheel, deformed wings, and a detached rear fuselage. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft uninjured.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the pilot's flight history, the aircraft's maintenance records, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy, having undergone its 100-hour inspection on June 8, 2016. The pilot held a valid commercial license and a first-class medical certificate.
During interviews, the pilot reported that an insect had entered his flight helmet during the takeoff roll. While attempting to remove the insect, he experienced a momentary loss of control, leading to the runway excursion.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was pilot distraction caused by an insect entering the flight helmet.
- The surrounding environment, consisting of corn and tobacco fields, provides a natural habitat for insects, making their presence in the cockpit a known risk for agricultural operations.
- The irregular terrain of the field contributed to the severity of the aircraft damage upon exiting the runway.