What happened
On May 22, 2016, at approximately 11:15 local time, a Cessna A188B, registration HK-2252, was performing an agricultural spraying mission near San Carlos de Guaroa, Meta. The aircraft, operated by Comercializadora ECO LTDA, was on its fourth flight of the day, traveling from Yaguarito airfield toward a palm oil plantation.
While flying at an extremely low altitude—approximately 8 meters above the treetops—the pilot experienced a sudden descent of the aircraft's empennage, which the pilot attributed to wind action. In an attempt to manage the emergency, the pilot attempted to execute an emergency discharge of the chemical payload. However, the discharge mechanism failed because the cockpit lever had fractured due to corrosion. Unable to recover altitude, the aircraft struck the treetops, causing the left wing and empennage to separate from the fuselage. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground in an inverted position, resulting in the total destruction of the airframe.
The pilot sustained minor injuries but was able to evacuate the wreckage. After walking for approximately three hours, the pilot was assisted by a local motorcyclist and transported to a medical facility.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation focused on the flight profile, the mechanical state of the aircraft, and the pilot's operational compliance. Investigators examined the engine and propeller, finding no functional failures that contributed to the crash; the propeller blades were damaged only due to the ground impact.
Regarding the aircraft's maintenance, while the plane was airworthy and up to date with scheduled inspections, investigators identified a failure in the emergency discharge lever caused by corrosion. The investigation noted that the company's oversight of corrosion inspections performed by external workshops needed improvement. Additionally, the investigation reviewed the pilot's flight experience, noting a lack of continuity in recent flight hours and a failure to adhere to company altitude minimums.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a collision with an obstacle during low-altitude flight.
- The pilot failed to comply with the company's General Operations Manual, which required a minimum flight altitude of 100 feet AGL, whereas the aircraft was flying at only 8 meters.
- Low situational awareness led to the failure to identify and avoid terrain hazards during the operation.
- A contributing factor was the fracture of the emergency chemical discharge lever due to corrosion, which prevented the pilot from executing an emergency payload jettison.
- The pilot's recent flight experience was characterized by irregular continuity and limited recent hours in this specific aircraft type.