What happened
On July 14, 2014, at approximately 07:30 local time, a Cessna A188B, registration HK1821, was conducting agricultural spraying operations over a sugarcane plantation in Tuluá, Valle del Cauca. While performing a pass over a second field, the aircraft's left landing gear struck two high-voltage power lines located within the plantation.
The impact caused the left landing gear to separate from the aircraft. The pilot maintained control of the aircraft and contacted the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Tower to request an emergency diversion to the Heriberto Gil Martínez Aerodrome (SKUL). During the approach to SKUL, air traffic controllers observed that the left main gear was missing, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency. The aircraft performed a forced landing on runway 19, touching down on the right gear before the left wing made contact with the pavement and slid along the runway. The pilot evacuated the aircraft uninjured.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation examined the structural damage, flight logs, and the operational environment. The impact with the electrical lines resulted in the loss of the left landing gear, damage to the engine cowling, propeller, and left wing, as well as the breakage of two high-voltage lines. Investigators analyzed the landing gear attachment bolts, finding clean shear surfaces consistent with high-energy impact forces. The investigation also reviewed the operator's safety management systems and historical records of the aircraft, noting that the operator, ARFA S.A., did not provide requested organizational or safety management documentation during the inquiry.
Findings
- Pilot perception error: The pilot misjudged the vertical separation distance between the aircraft and the high-voltage power lines.
- Loss of situational awareness: The pilot lost track of surrounding obstacles during the final spray pass.
- Obstacle presence: High-voltage power lines were positioned within the flight path of the agricultural work area.
- Communication difficulties: The pilot's communication with the control tower was difficult to understand due to vocalization issues, leading to initial confusion regarding the aircraft's condition.