What happened
On November 17, 2000, at approximately 08:50 local time, a Piper PA-36-285, registration HK1545, was performing aerial application services at Finca La Palma, located in the municipality of Bosconia, Colombia. The aircraft, operated by FAVA LTDA., was conducting a scheduled crop-spraying mission.
During the takeoff roll from La Palma runway, the aircraft departed normally at 08:42. However, while the aircraft was still parallel to the runway, the engine experienced a loss of power. In response to the emergency, the pilot attempted an emergency maneuver. During the turn, the right wing struck a tree, causing a loss of lift and altitude. The aircraft subsequently crashed into a wooded area, where it came to rest. The weather conditions at the time were normal, with an ambient temperature of 28°C.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation focused on the sequence of events following the engine malfunction and the subsequent impact. The investigation confirmed that the pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to exit the aircraft unassisted. There was no post-crash fire.
Physical damage to the Piper PA-36-285 was significant, including dents to the right wing, a broken lower cowling, broken flexiglass, and a broken engine mount. Additionally, the left wing was broken, the right flap support was damaged, and there were dents on the rudder and horizontal stabilizer. The spraying tank was also ruptured during the impact.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an engine power loss occurring during the takeoff phase.
- The collision with a tree during the emergency turn led to a loss of aerodynamic lift and the final impact in the wooded area.
- The aircraft sustained substantial structural damage to the wings, engine mount, and flight control surfaces.