2012 Air Tractor AT-301 emergency landing in Carepa, Antioquia (HK3289)

Incident overview and operation details On 23 January 2012 at 07:20 local time, an Air Tractor AT-301 with registration HK-3289 was involved in a serious incident while conducting agricultural spraying operations. The aircraft was owned and operated by Servicios de Fumigación Aérea Garay S.A. (Fumigaray S.A.) and was on a general aviation special work flight. The operation was planned from the Los Almendros aerodrome in the municipality of Carepa, Antioquia, to spray the Rancho Grande lot. ## Sequence of events The aircraft departed at 06:30 local time and completed two spray passes without issue. During the turn back after the second pass, the pilot reported a loss of power. The pilot leveled the aircraft and attempted to return to the Los Cedros aerodrome, which was on the flight path. When the aircraft could not maintain flight, the pilot discharged the agrochemical load to reduce weight, declared an emergency on 122.9 MHz, and made a forced landing in an unprepared cultivated field belonging to the El Guayacán farm. The aircraft rolled approximately 19 meters before striking a ditch, which fractured the main landing gear. ## Damage and injuries The aircraft sustained major structural damage to the main landing gear, lower fuselage, wings, engine mount, and tail section. No post-incident fire occurred. The sole person on board, a 52-year-old Colombian pilot, was uninjured and exited the aircraft under his own power. He was later assisted by personnel in the area. ## Investigation findings The investigation reviewed the pilot's report, flight experience, aircraft documentation, maintenance records, and post-incident engine examination. The pilot had sufficient experience in both total flight hours and type-specific hours, and recent flight activity was considered acceptable. Meteorological conditions were stable with good visibility and calm winds, suitable for safe operation. Communications and air traffic services were not factors. The investigation concluded that there was insufficient information to categorize the event, and the cause was determined to be unknown or undetermined.