Casualties unknown

Forced Landing of Cessna A188B HK1915 After Takeoff in Cabuyaro, Meta

Cabuyaro, CO

On October 16, 2014, an A188B (registration HK1915) was involved in an aviation accident near Cabuyaro, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of aerodynamic performance due to not reaching required speed parameters during the takeoff phase. This summary draws on records from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Group of the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority (GRIAA).

Sourcesthe Aircraft Accident Investigation Group of the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority (GRIAA)Primary reportUpdated 2026-09-13Data APIEditorial standards

On October 16, 2014, a Cessna A188B (HK1915) performing agricultural spraying experienced a loss of aerodynamic performance during initial climb, leading to a forced landing in an unprepared field. The aircraft overturned, and the pilot was uninjured.

Synopsis

On October 16, 2014, at approximately 08:30 local time, a Cessna A188B, registration HK1915, operated by Agrícola de Servicios Aéreos del Meta Limitada (ASAM LTDA.), was involved in an accident near Cabuyaro, Meta, Colombia. The aircraft was on an agricultural spraying mission. Earlier that morning, it had completed three herbicide application flights. The pilot then landed to change the spraying system from liquid to solid. For the subsequent seed spreading operation, the aircraft was loaded with 400 kg of rice seeds and 40 gallons of fuel.

Flight and Accident Sequence

The pilot departed from the company's auxiliary base "Petriba." Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft did not achieve an optimal climb gradient. The pilot decided to perform an emergency landing in an unprepared field. During the maneuver, the aircraft lost lift and collided with terrain, resulting in a rollover. The pilot was uninjured and left the aircraft unaided. There was no post-impact fire. Weather conditions were visual and did not influence the accident.

Aircraft Information

The aircraft was a 1976 Cessna A188B (serial C18802702T) with a Continental IO-520-D engine and a McCauley B2A34C205-C propeller. Total airframe hours were 4753:40. The most recent 100-hour inspection was on August 12, 2014. No evidence of functional system failures was found; the engine and propeller operated normally and were not considered contributing factors.

Pilot Information

The pilot was 25 years old, held a Commercial Pilot – Airplane license, and had a valid medical certificate. Total flight time was 525:55 hours, all on the Cessna A188B. He had completed recurrent training on the Cessna 188 on March 13, 2014, and a post-accident flight check on November 7, 2014, was satisfactory.

Structural Damage

The accident caused substantial damage: deformation of the right wing leading edge and tip, left wing beams and leading edge with tip separation, vertical stabilizer deformation, cockpit frame deformation, engine mount separation and cowling fracture, propeller blade deformation, and detachment of the left main wheel.

Probable cause

Loss of aerodynamic performance due to not reaching required speed parameters during the takeoff phase.