2014 Air Tractor AT-301 forced landing in Carepa, Antioquia (HK4615)

Accident Overview and Flight Details On July 12, 2014, an Air Tractor AT-301 agricultural aircraft, registration HK4615, was scheduled for a crop-spraying flight over Lote El Retiro in the municipality of Carepa, Antioquia, Colombia. The aircraft was operated by Servicios de Fumigación Aérea Garay S.A.S. (Fumigaray S.A.S.). The pilot, a 46-year-old commercial pilot with a valid medical certificate and over 9,000 total flight hours, departed from the Los Almendros runway at 08:56 local time (13:56 UTC). The aircraft was loaded with 300 gallons of fungicide and 75 gallons of fuel. During the initial climb, the pilot reported a progressive loss of engine power and a decrease in manifold pressure to the tower at Antonio Roldán Betancourt aerodrome (SKLC). After emergency procedures failed to restore power, the pilot jettisoned the chemical load and initiated a return to the departure runway. During the return maneuver, the engine emitted black smoke and subsequently failed completely. The pilot executed a forced landing in an unprepared field, Finca La Coqueta, located approximately 0.41 nautical miles from the Los Almendros runway. The aircraft struck the top of a tree before impacting the ground, resulting in significant structural damage, including the detachment of the engine from its mount. The pilot exited the aircraft unassisted and was uninjured. No pre- or post-accident fire occurred. The accident took place in daylight under visual meteorological conditions.