2013 Piper PA-25-260 accident in El Guamo, Colombia (HK419)

Accident Overview and Location On July 19, 2013, at 07:00 local time, a Piper PA-25-260 with registration HK-419 crashed in the Lote La Esperanza area, Vereda Callejón Guaduas, El Guamo, Tolima, Colombia. The aircraft was operated by Fumigaciones Aéreas de Colombia S.A.S (FARCA S.A.S) and was conducting agricultural spraying operations. ## Flight Sequence and Emergency The aircraft departed from the Aguablanca base in El Espinal at approximately 06:30 local time, carrying 36 gallons of fuel and 90 gallons of agrochemicals. The first spraying pass was completed without incident. During the second pass, the pilot executed a right turn and lost control of the ailerons. The pilot then activated the emergency system, jettisoned the fungicide, shut down the engine, and attempted a forced landing in a nearby cotton field. ## Impact and Damage The aircraft impacted the ground at a low angle and low speed with a noticeable right bank. The main landing gear legs detached, the engine stopped suddenly, and the propeller blades bent. The aircraft sustained severe structural damage to both wings and the engine cowling. The pilot, a 59-year-old Colombian national, abandoned the aircraft unharmed and reported the incident to the base. No post-impact fire occurred. ## Maintenance and Investigation Findings The aircraft had received a 100-hour inspection on July 4, 2013. However, the investigation noted that the specific maintenance form used did not match the one in the company's maintenance manual, and signatures for certain control system inspections were missing. Additionally, records for a required 1,000-hour inspection were absent. A broken aileron control cable was found near the pedals during the wreckage inspection. The pilot held a valid medical certificate and had no abnormal medical findings post-accident.