Flight Summary
On 28 April 2020, at approximately 13:15 local time (18:15 UTC), a Robinson R-44 RAVEN I helicopter, registration HK5306, operated by Helicópteros Agrícolas de Colombia HELIAGRO S.A.S., was conducting agricultural spraying operations over a cornfield at Finca La Morelia, in the municipality of Roldanillo, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. The flight was part of a series of spray runs; earlier that day, the pilot had completed spraying 75 hectares near La Virginia and had flown to Roldanillo, where 80 hectares were scheduled. After four previous spray runs, during the fifth run, while executing the third pass in a southeast-northwest direction, the helicopter collided with a low-voltage electrical power line. The helicopter subsequently lost control and fell into the corn crop, coming to rest on its right side. The pilot evacuated the helicopter unassisted and performed shutdown procedures. No post-impact fire occurred. Meteorological conditions were visual meteorological conditions (VMC) with daylight.
Aircraft Damage
The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The impact with the power line caused partial separation of the left skid, separation of the tail rotor structural section, complete separation of the skid structure and chemical storage tank. The main rotor blades deformed, and the right forward section was damaged.
Investigation Findings
The investigation by the Grupo de Investigación de Accidentes (GRIAA) determined that the accident occurred due to a collision at low altitude with an obstacle (low-voltage power line) during aerial spraying. The power line was likely camouflaged by nearby vegetation, hindering the pilot's identification. Additionally, the pilot experienced a loss of situational awareness regarding previously identified obstacles after focusing attention inside the cockpit to correct the flight path using spray alignment guide lights. A contributing factor was organizational deficiencies in hazard identification and risk management during low-altitude flight operations.
Probable Cause
The probable causes were: (1) Collision at low altitude with an obstacle (low-voltage power line) during aerial spraying, likely due to camouflage of the power line by nearby vegetation, hindering the pilot's identification. (2) Loss of situational awareness of the pilot regarding previously identified obstacles after focusing attention inside the cockpit to correct the flight path using spray alignment guide lights. A contributing factor was organizational deficiencies in hazard identification and risk management during low-altitude flight operations.
Safety Recommendations
Four safety recommendations were issued: two to Helicópteros Agrícolas de Colombia (HELIAGRO S.A.S.) and two to the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority (Aeronáutica Civil de Colombia).