Introduction
On November 11, 2017, a Piper PA-25-260 (registration HK1353) operated by Espinal Trabajos Aéreos (ESTRA LTDA) was conducting an agricultural spraying flight over a cornfield near Chicoral, Tolima, Colombia. The aircraft departed from Chicoral Estra airfield (ICAO: SQHS) and proceeded to the designated lot.
Accident Sequence
While executing a right turn in a "carousel" pattern after exiting the lot eastward, the aircraft struck the top of a tree approximately 25 meters tall. This collision led to a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain. The accident occurred approximately at 15:40 local time (20:40 UTC) in daylight visual meteorological conditions (VMC). A post-impact fire ensued, destroying most of the aircraft.
Injuries and Damage
The sole occupant, the pilot, sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire. The cornfield was also affected.
Meteorological Information
No direct meteorological data was available at the accident site. A model-based sounding from the NOAA ARL GDAS indicated a temperature of 30.1°C, dew point 19.5°C, relative humidity 53%, wind 121° at 6 knots, and a scattered cloud base at 6024 ft AGL. Solar position calculations for the time and location showed the sun at an elevation of 27.5° and an azimuth of 247.5°. The flight path during the turn was approximately 260°, suggesting direct sunlight incidence likely caused glare for the pilot.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-25-260 (serial 25-4529) with a Lycoming O-540-G1A5 engine and a Hartzell HC-CZYK-18F propeller. Its airworthiness certificate was special restricted category, but the aircraft was not airworthy at the time of the accident, as it had been suspended by the operator since November 2013. An Annual Aircraft Inspection Form from September 2012 was found; total airframe hours were recorded as 12,829:40 hours. The pilot, aged 64, held a Commercial Pilot License (PCA) issued in 1977 with ratings for single-engine aircraft up to 5,670 kg and for spraying aircraft. His medical certificate had expired on June 17, 2014, rendering his license inactive for flight operations. No records of recent training or flight hours were found. A service contract dated February 1, 2015, was located.
Impact and Wreckage
The aircraft's left wing struck branches of a tree about 16 m tall at N04°11’2.05” W075°00’43.64”. This caused separation of sections of the left wing leading edge, altering the flight path. The aircraft then inverted, descended, and impacted the ground at the same coordinates. It continued sliding 22 meters on a heading of 175° before stopping at N04°10’59.42” W075°00’43.53” at an elevation of 1244 ft, with a final heading of approximately 220°. The engine section was inverted with no signs of component separation; the propeller showed evidence of power production with blade twisting. No flap deployment was observed. The cockpit was destroyed by fire. Flight control continuity was present.
Fire
A post-impact fire ignited from hot engine components and fuel, consuming about 90% of the structure. The fire extinguished naturally.
Survival Aspects
Due to the severity of the impact, survival was not possible. The pilot was ejected during the first ground impact and sustained multiple traumatic injuries; his body was not affected by the post-impact fire.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the accident occurred due to a collision with an obstacle during low-altitude flight and impairment of cabin visibility due to sun glare during low-altitude flight.