What happened
On July 27, 2005, at approximately 09:30 AM, a Piper PA-25-260 agricultural aircraft, registration HK-1672-E, was involved in a fatal accident near Campoalegron, Huila. The aircraft had completed several spraying missions earlier that morning and was preparing for a repositioning flight to the Benito Salas Airport in Neiva.
Due to strong winds, the pilot decided to depart from the El Limonar airstrip using the North-South runway direction. This departure direction was considered unusual for this location, as the South-North direction is standard to avoid terrain and obstacles. Despite advice from the operations manager to wait for better conditions, the pilot proceeded with the takeoff while carrying an unauthorized passenger.
During the initial climb, the aircraft entered a left turn. The pilot encountered irregular terrain and rising hills that required a higher altitude to clear. While attempting to climb, the aircraft struck the treetops, causing it to crash into the ground. The impact was followed by a fire and an explosion, which destroyed the aircraft.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation established that the pilot was physically and mentally fit for duty, with a valid medical certificate and significant experience. The aircraft was found to be in airworthy condition, with all scheduled maintenance up to date.
Investigators noted that the aircraft was not certified to carry passengers, and the presence of the passenger violated standard operating procedures. The investigation also focused on the meteorological conditions, noting unusually strong winds of approximately 18 knots. The terrain at the departure site features a canyon-like structure that can generate turbulent winds.
Findings
- The pilot made an inadequate operational decision by selecting a takeoff direction that presented higher risks due to obstacles.
- The aircraft was operating in a direction that exposed the flight path to significant terrain hazards.
- High winds, likely acting as a tailwind during the takeoff, prevented the aircraft from gaining sufficient altitude to clear the obstacles.
- The pilot's attempt to climb past the terrain led to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with trees.
- The presence of an unauthorized passenger violated the aircraft's operational manual and certification.
- The impact caused a post-crash fire and explosion, which resulted in the death of the pilot and the subsequent death of the passenger due to burns.