Accident Overview
On December 29, 2015, at 15:30 local time (20:30 UTC), a Cessna A188B agricultural aircraft, registration HK1432, crashed during the initial climb after departing from the Hipilandia auxiliary airstrip (7EM) in San Martín, Cesar, Colombia. The aircraft was operated by Compañía Especializada en Trabajos Aeroagrícolas Ltda. (CELTA LTDA.) and owned by GERMANGEL S.A.S.
Flight History
The aircraft had earlier flown from the operator's main base at 9DZ in Aguachica (Cesar) to Hipilandia with an empty hopper and 37 gallons of fuel. At Hipilandia, 160 gallons of biological fungicide were loaded. The pilot then commenced the first spraying sortie, taking off from runway 18. During the initial climb, the aircraft failed to achieve adequate aerodynamic performance and impacted terrain approximately 120 meters from threshold 36, sliding 50 meters across uneven ground before coming to rest at coordinates N07°53’06.20” – W073°27’32.00”. There was no post-impact fire.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial structural damage, including deformation of the right wing, separation of the right main landing gear, fracture and separation of the aft fuselage, and bending of the propeller blade tips. The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured and evacuated the aircraft unassisted.
Investigation Findings
The investigation, conducted by the Grupo de Investigación de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviación (GRIAA), determined that excess load, planning failures, and absence of procedures during the aerial operation were contributing factors. The engine and propeller were found to be functioning normally and were not considered causal. Weather conditions were visual meteorological conditions (VMC) and suitable for the operation. The pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot – Airplane license with recent recurrent training on the Cessna A188 and had no medical or psychological limitations.
Probable Cause
Excess load transported, planning failures, and lack of procedures during the development of the aerial operation.