What happened
On August 26, 2016, at approximately 07:16 local time, a Piper PA-25-260, registration HK-588, was performing agricultural spraying operations over a sugarcane plantation near Obando, Valle del Cauca. The aircraft, operated by Fuminorte SAS, had departed from Santa Ana Airport in Cartago for a mission at the La Chará farm.
While executing a spray pass on a heading of 270 degrees, the aircraft's propeller struck high-voltage power lines belonging to the Cartago-Obando-Zarzal interconnection. The impact caused the aircraft to invert and lose control, leading to a violent descent. The aircraft struck the terrain approximately 160 meters beyond the initial wire strike in a semi-inverted position. A post-impact fire ensued, resulting in the total incineration of the aircraft. The single fatality was the pilot, who died upon impact.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation examined the flight history, maintenance records, and environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid commercial license and medical certificate. Maintenance records for the Piper PA-25-260 showed the aircraft was airworthy, with recent inspections completed in April 2016. Analysis of the engine and propeller revealed no mechanical failures; specifically, propeller damage was consistent with high-power impact with the electrical lines.
Meteorological analysis indicated that while there were reports of fog and low clouds in the region, visibility was sufficient for VFR operations, and other aircraft in the area did not report visibility issues. Furthermore, solar position calculations determined that sun glare was not a contributing factor, as the sun was positioned behind the aircraft's flight path.
Findings
- The pilot was operating at an altitude significantly lower than the limits established in the operator's General Operations Manual (MGO).
- The pilot experienced a loss of situational awareness regarding obstacles within the work area.
- The pilot possessed minimal flight experience specifically related to the type of special aerial work being performed.
- The pilot had been operating in the specific work zone for at least 13 minutes prior to the collision, suggesting awareness of the power lines was possible.