What happened
On December 16, 2019, an Air Tractor 301, registration HK3231, operated by Fumigaray S.A.S., was performing agricultural spraying operations near Carepa, Antioquia. The aircraft departed from Los Almendros runway carrying 250 gallons of chemical product and 70 gallons of fuel.
Approximately four minutes into the flight, while at an altitude of 500 feet, the pilot noticed the aircraft was losing airspeed and failing to climb. This was accompanied by loud noises and light smoke in the cockpit. The pilot declared an emergency, evacuated the chemical payload, and prepared for a forced landing. Due to the lack of a suitable landing field, the pilot executed a controlled maneuver over a banana plantation at Finca La Sultana. The aircraft slid into a canal, where it came to a sudden stop. The pilot evacuated the aircraft uninjured.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation focused on the engine's performance and maintenance history. Investigators found that the aircraft's engine had a history of malfunctions. While maintenance services had been performed, the inspection processes lacked the standard practices necessary to detect material fatigue in specific components. The investigation also noted that the engine's condition was affected by high humidity and the heavy usage typical of agricultural aviation.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an engine failure resulting from the rupture of cylinder number two due to material fatigue.
- The rupture caused irregular combustion, leading to power loss and smoke.
- Maintenance processes at the operator's facility failed to adequately monitor the continuous wear of engine components, particularly given the age of the equipment used in agricultural operations.
- The pilot's extensive experience and adherence to emergency procedures contributed to the controlled nature of the landing.