Piper Aerostar Crashes in Colombian Mountains During Aerial Filming Operation

Casualties unknown • San Pedro de los Milagros, CO

A Piper Aerostar 600 crashed into mountainous terrain in Antioquia, Colombia, resulting in two fatalities and one survivor after the aircraft entered IMC conditions.

What happened

On September 11, 2015, at approximately 17:40 local time, a Piper Aerostar 600, registration N164HH, crashed into mountainous terrain in the Vereda La Clarita area of San Pedro de los Milagros, Antioquia. The aircraft, operated by Heliblack LLC, was performing special aerial work as part of a film production crew. The flight was traveling from the "Rancho Aéreo" ultralight airstrip in Santafé de Antioquia toward Medellín's Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport.

During the flight, the aircraft struck a mountain slope at an altitude of 7,953 feet. The impact caused the aircraft to lose its right wing and tail section after colliding with trees. Of the three occupants on board, including two crew members, two fatalities were recorded due to severe trauma, while one occupant survived the crash and was evacuated to a local hospital.

The investigation

The GRIAA investigation established that the aircraft was airworthy, properly maintained, and that the pilots held valid licenses. Inspections of the Lycoming engines confirmed they were producing power at the moment of impact, ruling out mechanical failure. However, the aircraft was not equipped with flight data recorders or cockpit voice recorders.

Investigators found that the aircraft entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) inadvertently. While the flight was part of a specialized filming operation, the investigation noted that the crew lacked specific familiarity with the local geography and the risks associated with the evolving weather. Evidence from local radar indicated that low clouds and light precipitation were present in the area during the flight period.

Findings

  • The primary cause was a deficient risk assessment during low-altitude operations, exacerbated by the pilot's lack of familiarity with the local terrain and the absence of a pilot with local geographic knowledge.
  • The aircraft experienced a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) following an inadvertent entry into IMC.
  • There was a lack of formal flight planning for high-mountain routes.
  • The crew failed to perform a specific risk analysis for the specialized aerial work being conducted.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an inadequate evaluation of operational risks during low-altitude flight, as the pilot's lack of familiarity with the local area and the absence of local geographic expertise led to the underestimation of hazards, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) after entering IMC conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-09-11 Piper PA 60 Aerostar accident near San Pedro de los Milagros, CO?

A Piper Aerostar 600 crashed into mountainous terrain in Antioquia, Colombia, resulting in two fatalities and one survivor after the aircraft entered IMC conditions.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-09-11 involved a Piper PA 60 Aerostar, registration N164HH, at San Pedro de los Milagros, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an inadequate evaluation of operational risks during low-altitude flight, as the pilot's lack of familiarity with the local area and the absence of local geographic expertise led to the underestimation of hazards, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) after entering IMC…

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