Factual Information
On 5 May 2018, at approximately 09:00 local time, a Cessna A188-B aircraft, registration HK-1741, operated by Aero Sanidad Agrícola S.A.S., was conducting a familiarization flight over a new area intended for agricultural spraying operations. The flight departed from runway La Diva. About 20 minutes into the flight, while flying at low altitude over the lot Bonanza, the aircraft struck a low-tension electrical line located approximately 15 meters above ground. According to the pilot, the impact occurred while maneuvering to avoid birds and being affected by sun glare. The aircraft continued to La Diva and landed normally. Post-landing inspection revealed minor damage to the leading edge of the left wing; the wire cutter functioned as designed.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured. A person on ground contacted the downed wire and received an electric shock, resulting in loss of consciousness for three minutes, hospitalization for more than 48 hours in an intermediate care unit due to risk of cardiac arrhythmias, and 14 days of medical leave. This injury was classified as serious. The aircraft sustained only superficial damage. Damage to third parties included disruption of electrical service and a tear in the canopy of a boat on the Buritaca River.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined the probable cause to be the pilot's non-compliance with basic rules for a visual reconnaissance flight by failing to maintain a safe altitude that would ensure separation from obstacles and provide maneuvering margin to avoid any hazard (birds, sun glare, technical failures), leading to impact with a power line. Contributing factors were inadequate flight planning by the company and the pilot, who did not consider obstacles in the route and area and did not establish a safe altitude for the reconnaissance flight; and the pilot's inadequate evasive maneuver to avoid birds, which brought the aircraft dangerously close to the ground, resulting in impact with the power line.