What happened
On July 17, 2008, at approximately 14:00 local time, a Cessna A188B helicopter, registration HK1648, was conducting agricultural spraying operations near the Los Milagros airstrip in Mani, Casanare. The aircraft, operated by ASAM LTDA, was performing its fourth takeoff of the day and was carrying approximately 160 kg of liquid spray payload.
During the initial climb phase, the aircraft drifted off its intended flight path. The helicopter struck a palm tree located to the right of the departure trajectory, followed by a secondary impact with another tree and a utility pole. The sequence of impacts caused the aircraft to come to rest in a field approximately 200 meters from the runway threshold. There was no post-crash fire.
The investigation
The preliminary investigation focused on the flight path deviation and the structural failure of the aircraft. The wreckage showed extensive damage, including the separation of the left wing, a fractured tail section, and the loss of the left landing gear. The right wing was also fractured, the cockpit area sustained structural damage, and the propeller blades were bent, indicating a sudden engine stoppage upon impact. The investigation confirmed that the single occupant, the pilot, sustained fatal injuries.
Findings
- The aircraft was engaged in aerial application/crop spraying operations.
- The accident occurred during the climb phase of flight.
- The primary cause of the accident was the impact with obstacles (trees and a utility pole) during the initial ascent.