Accident Overview
On 27 May 2019, a Piper PA-25-260, registration HK616, was involved in an accident during an agricultural spraying operation near Maní, Casanare, Colombia. The aircraft was operated by Trabajos Aéreos Especiales S.A.S. (TAES). The flight was scheduled to spray 150 hectares of rice, with the pilot having conducted a pre-flight reconnaissance the previous day.
Flight History
The pilot initiated the takeoff roll from runway 07 at Hato Garibay airstrip at 11:05 local time. During the takeoff roll, the pilot perceived a loss of engine power. Despite this, the pilot continued the takeoff due to the distance traveled and speed achieved. Upon becoming airborne at approximately 50 feet above ground, the pilot jettisoned the chemical load as an emergency procedure to reduce weight and gain altitude. However, engine power remained insufficient to maintain flight. The pilot executed an emergency landing in an unprepared field located about 400 meters from the threshold of runway 25. The landing was controlled but resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot, the sole occupant, evacuated unharmed and was assisted by company personnel. No post-accident fire occurred. Meteorological conditions were visual and suitable for the operation.
Damage to Aircraft
As a result of the forced landing on unprepared terrain, the aircraft sustained the following damage: landing gear separation, propeller separation, deformation of both wings, and damage to the spray system.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a loss of power resulting from an internal engine failure, specifically damage to the bearing of the crankcase and the connecting rod. A contributing factor was deficient scheduled maintenance practices, in which technical personnel failed to meet established standards for brake installation and application of torque on components inside the crankshaft.
Investigation
The Colombian Accident Investigation Authority (GRIAA) was notified at 12:00 local time on the same day and dispatched two investigators to the accident site.