Flight History
On 16 February 2016, a Laviasa PA-25-260 agricultural aircraft, registered as N25LV, was scheduled for a ferry flight from José María Córdova International Airport (SKRG) in Rionegro, Antioquia, to Flaminio Suárez Camacho Airport (SKGY), under visual flight rules (VFR). The aircraft had recently been relocated from the United States to Colombia for nationalization.
Takeoff from runway 01 occurred at 13:55 local time (18:55 UTC). During the initial climb, approximately 200 feet above ground level, the pilot encountered turbulence that became critical, causing a loss of altitude. Despite attempts to maintain height and avoid terrain, the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall on two occasions. Unable to maintain control, the pilot decided to execute an emergency landing on unprepared terrain. The aircraft struck vegetation on a mountainous slope with an elevation of 7,175 feet and a 35° incline, coming to rest at coordinates N06°11'22" / W075°25'20" in the Vereda El Carmín area of Rionegro, Antioquia.
The accident occurred at approximately 14:08 local time (19:08 UTC) in visual meteorological conditions. No post-impact fire occurred, and the pilot evacuated the aircraft unharmed.
Aircraft Information
The accident aircraft was a Laviasa PA-25-260 (serial number 260-12056) manufactured on 16 November 2012. It was equipped with a Lycoming IO-540-D4A5 engine and a Hartzell HC-C3YR-1RF/F8468A-2R propeller. The aircraft had logged 35.9 total flight hours as of 29 January 2016, and its most recent annual inspection was completed on 28 January 2016. Maintenance records indicated compliance with manufacturer requirements, and the engine and propeller were found to have been operating normally; powerplant issues were not considered a factor in the accident.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial structural damage, including fracture and deformation of both wings, deformation and dents in the forward fuselage, damage to the right horizontal stabilizer tip, fracture and separation of the main landing gear, deformation of propeller blade tips, and damage to the spray system. The empennage structure remained largely intact with minor damage. There was minor impact to surrounding vegetation.
Meteorological Conditions
The METAR report from SKRG at 14:00 local time (19:00 UTC) indicated wind from 080° at 12 knots, visibility greater than 10 kilometers, few clouds at 2,000 feet above ground level, temperature 26°C, dew point 11°C, and altimeter setting 30.15 inHg.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the pilot's lack of experience and unfamiliarity with the PA-25-260 aircraft.