2013 Cessna A188B collision in Riohacha, Colombia (HK3520)

Accident overview and operation details On 24 September 2013, a Cessna A188B with registration HK3520, operated by Aero Sanidad Agrícola ASA S.A.S., was conducting special aerial work—specifically aerial fumigation—near Riohacha in La Guajira, Colombia. The aircraft departed from Pista San Martín (IATA: 9BT) and was scheduled to spray Finca Canada in the Corregimiento Camarones. The accident occurred at 07:36 local time in daylight and visual meteorological conditions. ## Flight sequence and impact The pilot received the aircraft at 07:00 local time, completed a preflight check, and refueled it with 17 gallons of fuel. After taxiing and performing satisfactory engine and propeller tests, the aircraft took off and proceeded to the assigned field, where it made carousel passes for spraying. During the sixth pass at low altitude, the pilot reported a loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to apply maximum power and to dump the product in an emergency, but the aircraft struck a banana plantation and then impacted the ground. The pilot exited the aircraft under his own power with minor injuries and received first aid from farm personnel. No post-accident fire occurred. ## Aircraft, crew, and damage The aircraft was a 1974 Cessna A188B, serial number 18801647, powered by a Continental IO-520-D engine and equipped with a McCauley D2A34C58 propeller. The pilot was 29 years old, held a commercial pilot license with a fumigation endorsement, and had 253:26 total flight hours. The aircraft sustained significant damage, including separation of the engine and propeller, partial separation of the empennage, and failure of the right main landing gear. Minor damage was also reported to the banana plantation. ## Investigation findings and context The investigation team was notified at 08:45 local time and documented the scene the same day. The accident site was a banana plantation at an elevation of 12 meters above mean sea level, with cableways running transversely to the aircraft’s spray passes. The aircraft was found largely intact, with cableway wires on the left wing and beneath the right wing. The propeller was found partially buried near the first ground impact point, showing deformation and marks possibly caused by the cableways. The final position and ground marks indicated the aircraft impacted the ground in a nose-down attitude at low speed and a high angle of impact. The aircraft was not required to carry flight recorders under Colombian regulations.