Engine fire leads to forced landing of Piper Pawnee in Paramonga

Casualties unknown • PE

A Piper PA-25-235 agricultural aircraft suffered an in-flight engine fire during a spraying mission, resulting in a forced landing and the total loss of the aircraft.

What happened

On October 30, 2010, at approximately 14:30 UTC, a Piper PA-25-235, registration OB-935, operated by SOTENZA S.A.C., was performing agricultural spraying operations near Paramonga, Lima, Peru. The aircraft had departed from the Cerro Blanco landing field with the intention of applying chemicals at the Don Enrique plantation.

While performing its third application pass, the pilot experienced intense vibrations. Upon climbing to a higher altitude, the pilot observed smoke and flames originating from the lower, rear, and right side of the engine compartment. Following established emergency procedures for in-flight engine fires, the pilot executed a forced landing in an unplanted field. Although the pilot successfully evacuated the aircraft, the subsequent fire consumed the entire airframe. There were no injuries to the pilot.

The investigation

The CIAA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the pilot's experience, and the operational procedures of the operator. Investigators reviewed the engine and propeller components, as well as the company's maintenance and operations manuals. The investigation also looked into the adequacy of the company's emergency response capabilities and the completeness of their technical documentation.

Findings

  • The aircraft's maintenance and inspection programs (PIA and MGM) lacked specific procedures to check the structural condition of the exhaust system, specifically regarding corrosion, deformation, or cracks in the intermediate and external exhaust tubes.
  • The inspection and pre-flight checklists did not include verification of the attachment of the exhaust vent pipes.
  • The operator's General Operations Manual (MGO) was incomplete, missing several pages, and contained an outdated emergency contact directory.
  • The company's emergency response plan (PPA) lacked updated procedures for immediate intervention by ground support personnel and did not ensure sufficient communication equipment or fire suppression capabilities for the support vehicle.
  • The lack of specific inspection procedures for the exhaust system and its vent attachments contributed to the undetected condition that led to the fire.

Probable cause

The engine fire was caused by an uninspected condition in the exhaust system, as the operator's maintenance and pre-flight inspection protocols failed to include checks for corrosion or structural integrity of the exhaust tubes and vent pipe attachments.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2010-10-30 aircraft accident near PE?

A Piper PA-25-235 agricultural aircraft suffered an in-flight engine fire during a spraying mission, resulting in a forced landing and the total loss of the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2010-10-30 involved a aircraft, registration OB-935, at PE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine fire was caused by an uninspected condition in the exhaust system, as the operator's maintenance and pre-flight inspection protocols failed to include checks for corrosion or structural integrity of the exhaust tubes and vent pipe attachments.

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