Flight History
On 14 July 2014, at 07:30 local time, a Cessna A188B agricultural aircraft, registration HK1821, operated by ARFA S.A., was conducting aerial spraying operations over a sugarcane field in Tuluá, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. The flight had originated from La Base airstrip in Guacarí. The pilot reported that while performing a pass over the second field, the left landing gear struck high-tension lines located within the plantation. The pilot retained control of the aircraft, jettisoned the spray load, and contacted Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (SKCL) tower, requesting clearance to proceed to Heriberto Gil Martínez Airport (SKUL) for an emergency landing.
Emergency Landing
Upon approaching Farfán Aerodrome, the controller informed the pilot that the left main landing gear was missing. The pilot declared an emergency and performed a forced landing on runway 19. The aircraft touched down on the right landing gear; as it slowed, the left wing dropped and the aircraft slid on the runway before coming to a stop on the left side within the safety area. The pilot evacuated the aircraft uninjured. No fire occurred. Meteorological conditions were visual and not considered contributory.
Aircraft Damage
The impact with the power lines and subsequent emergency landing resulted in structural damage including: fracture and separation of the left landing gear leg; fracture of three fusible bolts on the left side; denting of the lower engine cowl; rupture of the lower left fuselage skin; rupture of the left landing gear fairing; rupture of the leading edge of the left wing strut fairing; scratches on the lower tip of the left wing; and scratches on the leading edge of the propeller blade. Two high-tension power lines were broken.
Investigation Findings
Colombia's Civil Aviation Authority Accident Investigation Group determined that the serious incident was caused by a perceptual error on the part of the pilot, leading to misjudgment of the vertical separation distance between the aircraft and the high-tension lines. No maintenance or airworthiness issues were identified. The pilot held a valid license and medical certificate, with extensive agricultural flying experience.