What happened
On August 19, 2016, at approximately 10:30 local time, a Cessna A188B, registration HK2118, was performing aerial spraying operations over rice crops near Orocué, Casanable, Colombia. The aircraft, operated by Compañía Aeroagrícola de los Llanos AGILL S.A.S, was executing its third flight of the day, transporting solid fertilizer.
While flying at an altitude of approximately 10 meters during a low-level pass, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power, with RPM dropping to 1000. The pilot attempted to apply maximum power, but the engine failed to respond. The pilot immediately initiated an emergency landing in the nearby field. Due to the soft terrain, the landing gear caused the aircraft to pivot, resulting in a dynamic roll that left the aircraft inverted. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to evacuate the aircraft independently.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation revealed significant irregularities regarding the aircraft's maintenance records. Investigators found evidence of altered maintenance logs, specifically regarding the serial numbers of fuel system components. Discrepancies were noted in several work orders (Order No. 0002/16), where signatures and component details did not match previous entries.
Furthermore, the investigation was hindered by the operator's failure to preserve the wreckage. The aircraft components were moved without authorization from the investigative authority, and the engine was presented to investigators with its accessories already disassembled, breaking the chain of custody. This prevented investigators from definitively determining the operational condition of the fuel system components at the exact moment of the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of engine power resulting from an undetermined failure within the fuel system.
- The dynamic roll and subsequent substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, cabin, and engine mount were caused by the emergency landing on unprepared, soft ground.
- Organizational deficiencies within the operator's maintenance and operational processes contributed to the accident, specifically a failure to properly manage and track reports of repetitive engine performance issues.
- Maintenance quality assurance processes were insufficient, as evidenced by the lack of follow-up on pilot reports regarding poor engine performance following recent fuel system component replacements.