Synopsis
On 7 December 2025, the Dominican Republic's Comisión Investigadora de Accidentes de Aviación (CIAA) received notification of an accident involving a Cessna A188B, registration HI799, operated by Fumigaciones Aéreas Del Caribe, S.R.L. (Fumca). The event occurred at approximately 12:52 UTC during the landing phase of the fifth flight of the day at Aeródromo de Boca de Mao, located in Valverde, Dominican Republic. The pilot had identified an obstruction in the left pedal mechanism during pre-landing checks and reported it to the company's maintenance department via radio frequency. Upon touchdown, the loss of directional control caused the aircraft to veer right, departing the runway onto uneven terrain. The left landing gear collapsed and separated, and the propeller blades struck the ground. The sole occupant, the pilot, was uninjured and evacuated the aircraft without assistance. The CIAA initiated an investigation under case number CIAA 120-2025. An investigation team arrived at the accident site at 10:00 local time and formed groups to assess operational, human performance, airworthiness, and meteorological factors. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was notified as the state of design and manufacture but did not travel. The preliminary report was issued on 7 January 2026.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft was conducting agricultural fumigation operations. During pre-landing checks on its fifth flight, the pilot detected that the left pedal was obstructed. He immediately notified the company's maintenance department via radio. On touchdown, the pilot experienced a loss of directional control effectiveness with the left pedal, causing the aircraft to skid to the right. The aircraft departed the runway surface onto uneven terrain, resulting in the collapse and breakage of the left landing gear. The aircraft came to a stop, and the pilot evacuated by his own means.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna A188B, registration HI799. It was owned and operated by Fumigaciones Aéreas Del Caribe, S.R.L., a company specializing in agricultural spraying operations.
Injuries
The pilot was the sole occupant and was uninjured. No injuries to other persons were reported.
Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage, primarily to the landing gear system. The left landing gear was broken due to the runway excursion. A structural evaluation of the landing gear attachment and possible damage to the propeller or wings from contact with the ground is pending.
Other Damage
No damage to third-party property was reported as of the date of this preliminary report.
Probable Cause
The preliminary report does not state a probable cause.