Synopsis
On June 30, 2015, a Cessna A188B, registration HK2154, operated by Fumigación Aérea Hélice Ltda., was involved in an accident during an agricultural spraying flight. The aircraft impacted terrain after colliding with electrical lines near Hacienda "Los Caballos" in the municipality of San Luis de Palenque, Casanare, Colombia. The pilot, the sole occupant, suffered serious injuries. No post-impact fire occurred.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft departed from runway "La Veremos" at approximately 15:40 local time (20:40 UTC) to spray rice fields. After completing the first fungicide pass without incident, the pilot initiated a turn for the return pass. While turning, the pilot experienced glare from the sun, causing the aircraft to collide with overhead power lines. The impact with the lines resulted in loss of control. The aircraft then struck the ground inverted at coordinates N05°23'21.7" / W071°43'58.6", coming to rest 71 meters from the power line collision point and 23 meters from the initial ground impact. The accident occurred around 16:30 local time (21:30 UTC) in visual meteorological conditions.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna A188B (serial number C18803102T). It had accumulated 42,445.35 total flight hours. The engine was a Continental IO-520-D (serial 575691) with 3,834.35 hours, and the propeller was a McCauley D2A34C98-0 (serial 881575) with 2,475.25 hours. The last 50-hour inspection was performed on June 23, 2015, and the aircraft was considered airworthy. The aircraft was equipped for agricultural spraying.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 43, held a Commercial Pilot – Airplane license and a valid medical certificate (expiring August 5, 2015). His total flight experience was 1,059 hours and 15 minutes as of February 2, 2006. He had logged 85.5 hours in the previous 90 days and 57 hours in the previous 30 days. His last proficiency check in the Cessna A188B was on June 22, 2014. The total hours on type were not provided by the operator.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained serious injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial structural damage, including separation of all three landing gear, separation of the propeller and engine, tail cone separation, deformation of horizontal and vertical stabilizers, deformation of both wings, and damage to the spraying system. The power lines were broken.
Investigation Findings
The investigation, conducted by the Grupo de Investigación de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviación (GRIAA) of Colombia, determined that the accident occurred due to factors associated with solar glare from the sun affecting the pilot's vision, flight at an altitude lower than that established in Colombian Aviation Regulations (RAC) for agricultural flights over non-populated areas, incorrect flight route selection, and deficient planning. The wreckage was removed from the site without authorization before investigators could perform a field examination.