Factual Information
On October 7, 2017, an Air Tractor 301 (registration HK5085) operated by FUMIGARAY S.A.S. was conducting aerial spraying operations over the Cibeles lot near Turbo, Antioquia, Colombia. The aircraft was occupied by a single pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot, aged 52, held a Commercial Pilot license and a valid first-class medical certificate. He had approximately 4,000 total flight hours, with 401 hours on the Air Tractor 301/401. His last flight check on the type was on November 23, 2016.
The aircraft, an Air Tractor AT-301/401 (serial 301-0540), was manufactured in 1984. It was equipped with a Pratt & Whitney R1340-AN1 engine. The last maintenance service was a 25-hour check performed on September 26, 2017.
Accident Sequence
The pilot arrived at Los Almendros airstrip near Apartadó at 05:00 local time. The aircraft had been fueled the previous day with 50 gallons of fuel and carried 300 gallons of chemical product. The preflight inspection did not include a formal flight plan considering fuel requirements.
After engine ground checks lasting about 10 minutes, the pilot departed at 06:10 local time for the Cibeles lot. Spraying operations lasted approximately 35 minutes. After completing six passes, the pilot decided to perform an edge-of-field operation ("rebordeo") when the fuel gauge indicated only 5 gallons remaining.
During this maneuver, the engine began losing power, and the aircraft lost altitude and airspeed. The pilot suspended spraying and focused on the engine. Fuel pressure was normal at 5 psi, so the auxiliary pump was not used. The pilot requested assistance from another pilot at a nearby lot to guide him toward an ultralight strip.
At 06:50 local time, while overflying the Monterrey farm, the pilot declared an emergency due to engine power loss. Shortly after, in the Coldesa sector, the engine stopped completely. The pilot executed a controlled emergency landing on a banana palm plantation at coordinates N 08°01'45.0" W 076°39'03.2", on the La Saya farm.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot, uninjured, exited the aircraft through the cabin window, secured the fuel selector and battery switch, and was assisted by local residents. He was later evaluated at a medical facility. No post-impact fire occurred.
The aircraft sustained substantial damage: both wings had leading-edge dents and broken tips; the propeller blades were bent with evidence of low RPM and low angle; the engine and mount were structurally deformed; and the right main landing gear wheel separated. Minor damage occurred to surrounding vegetation.