Accident Overview
On July 17, 2008, at approximately 14:00 local time, a Cessna A188B agricultural aircraft, registration HK1648, operated by ASAM (Agrícola de Servicios Aéreos del Meta Ltda.), crashed during the initial climb phase after departing from Pista Los Milagros in the municipality of Maní, Casanare department (Meta region). The aircraft was performing its fourth takeoff of the day, carrying 160 gallons of liquid spray for aerial application.
Sequence of Events
During the initial climb, the aircraft struck a palm tree located to the right of the departure path. Subsequently, it collided with another tree, a light post, and came to rest in a field approximately 200 meters from the runway threshold. No fire occurred following the impact.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The single-engine aircraft was a Cessna A188B, model 188B, and was registered in Colombia with airworthiness certificate number 2128. The owner was Agrícola de Servicios Aéreos del Meta "ASAM Ltda.". The sole occupant was the pilot, Gustavo Antonio Restrepo Acevedo, who held a PCA (Piloto Comercial de Aviación) license number 2280, with a valid medical certificate expiring on August 8, 2008.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage: the left wing detached, the empennage fractured, the left landing gear separated, the right wing fractured, the cabin fractured, propeller blades bent, and the engine experienced a sudden stop. Repair feasibility was pending evaluation by the UAEAC technical group.
Investigation Status
The accident is under investigation by the Grupo de Investigación de Accidentes (GIA) of the UAEAC. No probable cause has been determined at this preliminary stage. Recommendations include sending the engine and propeller to an UAEAC-authorized workshop for post-accident inspection and urgently appointing an investigator in charge per internal circular 0002-GIA-2005.