Incident Overview
On January 25, 2026, at approximately 12:52 UTC, a Cessna A188B agricultural aircraft, registration HI 963, experienced a total loss of engine power while conducting aerial application operations in Hatillo Palma, Monte Cristi province, Dominican Republic. The aircraft had departed from Piloto Aerodrome earlier. During the work phase at low altitude, the engine ceased producing power. Due to the immediate degradation of aircraft performance, the pilot executed a forced landing into a banana plantation.
Aircraft and Operator
The aircraft was a Cessna A188B, operated by Fumigaciones Aéreas Del Caribe, S.R.L. The single-engine airplane was designed for agricultural spraying. The operator is based in the Dominican Republic. The pilot was the sole occupant.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained minor injuries and evacuated the cockpit unaided. No other injuries occurred on board or on the ground. The aircraft suffered serious structural damage: the fuselage and wings were deformed from impact with banana plants; the propeller and landing gear were also damaged due to contact with uneven terrain. Damage to crops was limited to the landing area; no infrastructure or third-party property was affected.
Investigation
The Comisión Investigadora de Accidentes de Aviación (CIAA) initiated an investigation upon notification on the day of the accident. Investigators arrived at the site at 11:00 local time. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was notified as the representative of the aircraft's state of design but did not travel. Preliminary inspection revealed that the engine was internally locked. The CIAA has arranged for the engine to be sent to an authorized facility for a supervised teardown to determine the root cause. The component remains in custody pending transport. This is a preliminary report and may be updated as the investigation progresses.