Flight History
On November 15, 2019, the Cessna A188B, registered HK2108, was scheduled for agricultural spraying operations starting from Los Milagros airstrip (ICAO: SQGN) in Maní, Casanare, Colombia. The aircraft was to be relocated without chemical product to El Médano airstrip (ICAO: SQEN) to spray solid fertilizer (320 sacks) on rice crops near Orocué. While at Los Milagros, the aircraft was fueled with 60 gallons of fuel, and twelve fuel drums were loaded into the main chemical tank. After preflight procedures, the flight commenced at approximately 06:08 local time. The pilot conducted a takeoff from runway 07.
During the initial climb after rotation, the aircraft exhibited a very low climb gradient, failing to gain sufficient altitude. The pilot decided to execute a forced landing. The aircraft touched down in a controlled manner on a rice field but subsequently struck a group of trees, causing a partial dynamic rollover. The aircraft came to rest tilted 45 degrees on its vertical axis, supported by vegetation. The pilot, the sole occupant, evacuated the aircraft unaided with minor injuries. The accident occurred in daylight under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). No post-impact fire occurred.
Injuries
The pilot sustained minor injuries. No other persons were aboard.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial structural damage. The right wing was partially detached at the area of the step attachment. Additional damage included dents and deformations in the wing extension, fuselage, and impact-related deformation of the right wing leading edge and front spar. The left wing was deformed on its lower surface; the right horizontal stabilizer leading edge and elevator were deformed; the vertical stabilizer, dorsal fin, and rudder were damaged and displaced; the right lift strut fractured; the landing gear collapsed; the cockpit area and cabin floor were deformed; and the engine mounting tubes were deformed.
Probable Causes
The investigation determined the following probable causes: forced landing on unprepared terrain due to aerodynamic stall during initial climb, caused by insufficient airspeed gain during the takeoff roll; premature rotation of the aircraft without reaching the required speed for an optimal initial climb; and the operator's lack of risk management by permitting the transport of unauthorized dangerous goods, which influenced the accident.
Contributing Factor
A contributing factor was the inability to reduce aircraft weight (via emergency dumping) during the loss of lift due to the presence of items (fuel drums) in the chemical tank that prevented emergency evacuation.
Factual Information
- Aircraft: Cessna A188B, registration HK2108
- Date and Time: November 15, 2019, at 06:10 local time (11:10 UTC)
- Location: Finca Los Milagros, Maní, Casanare, Colombia (coordinates N04°48'4.68", W072°13'41.48")
- Operation: Special aerial work – agricultural aviation
- Operator: Compañía Aeroagrícola de los Llanos - AGILL S.A.S
- Persons on board: 1 pilot
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Damage: Substantial