What happened
On May 27, 2019, a Piper PA25-260, registration HK 616, was performing agricultural spraying operations near the Hato Garibay airstrip in Maní, Casanare. During the takeoff roll from runway 07, the pilot experienced a sudden loss of engine power. Despite the power loss, the pilot managed to reach an altitude of approximately 50 feet.
In an attempt to maintain flight and reduce the aircraft's weight, the pilot executed an emergency procedure by discharging the chemical spray load. However, the remaining engine power was insufficient to sustain flight. The pilot subsequently performed a controlled emergency landing in an unprepared field located approximately 400 meters from the end of runway 25. The pilot escaped the aircraft uninjured, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a detached landing gear, propeller separation, and structural deformation of the wings and empennage.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation focused on the engine's performance and recent maintenance history. The aircraft had undergone a 100-hour inspection just two days prior to the accident. Investigators examined the engine components and found evidence of vibration marks on the bolts connecting the cylinder connecting rods.
Technical analysis revealed that during the recent maintenance service, certain internal components were not properly adjusted according to the manufacturer's manual. Specifically, the investigation looked into the installation of brakes and the torque application for components within the crankshaft area.