What happened
On June 10, 2016, a Cessna A188, registration HK1365, was performing aerial spraying operations for rice crops at the María Juana Aerodrome in Aguazul, Casanare. During the second flight of the day, the aircraft began its takeoff roll on runway 05 using maximum power. The pilot rotated the aircraft at an estimated speed of 70 to 75 knots.
Immediately following rotation, the aircraft experienced an abnormal condition characterized by a rightward drift and a drop of the right wing and empennage. The aircraft struck trees in its flight path and subsequently impacted the ground, traveling approximately 40 meters. The impact triggered a post-crash fire that heavily damaged the right wing and the front section of the engine. The pilot successfully evacuated the aircraft and was found uninjured.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation revealed that the aircraft was operating with a significant load of chemical products and fuel. The investigation noted that the operator had removed the aircraft from the site without authorization from the accident investigation authority, which prevented a field inspection.
Technical analysis of the engine showed no evidence of mechanical failure; components such as the cylinders, pistons, and crankshaft appeared to have been operating normally. However, the investigation found that the pilot was using incorrect units of measurement, referencing knots instead of the miles per hour specified in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), and was using visual ground markers (cones) as a substitute for technical rotation speed references.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was loss of control in flight resulting from a premature takeoff, executed at rotation and takeoff speeds significantly lower than required.
- The aircraft initially achieved flight due to ground effect, but once it climbed out of this zone, it lacked sufficient airspeed to maintain lift, leading to a stall and descent.
- Deficient flight planning by both the pilot and the operator meant that critical variables—including aircraft weight, ambient temperature, and wind—were not properly considered when calculating takeoff distance and required speeds.
- The pilot lacked clarity regarding the aircraft's specific load configuration and failed to establish a technical rotation speed based on the POH.
- The operator's established maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) for the aircraft was incorrectly documented as 3,300 lb, whereas the Type Certificate specifies a limit of 4,200 lb.
- The pilot had relatively low experience with this specific aircraft type, having flown only 60 hours in the C188 fleet with the company.