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2020 Piper PA-25-260 accident in Puerto López, Meta (HK1042)

Puerto López, CO

On June 22, 2020, a PA-25-260 (registration HK1042) was involved in an aviation accident near Puerto López, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision of the aircraft with a natural obstacle (tree), which substantially changed the flight path and fractured the wing structure, causing loss of control in flight and subsequent impact with the ground. This summary draws on records from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Group of the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority (GRIAA).

Sourcesthe Aircraft Accident Investigation Group of the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority (GRIAA)Primary reportUpdated 2026-09-13Data APIEditorial standards

On 22 June 2020, Piper PA-25-260 HK-1042 struck a tree during agricultural spraying near Puerto López, Meta, Colombia, causing loss of control and a ground impact. The pilot died.

Overview and operation details On 22 June 2020, a Piper PA-25-260, registration HK-1042, operated by Servicio Aéreo del Oriente S.A.S., departed Palma Sola (SKSZ) for an agricultural spraying mission over rice and banana crops in the Brisas del Guatiquía area, about 5 km from the airstrip. The aircraft was loaded with 25 gallons of fuel and 150 gallons of fungicide/insecticide. The operation began at 09:25 local time, and the accident occurred at 09:30 local time. ## Accident sequence After completing 22 spray passes over the 11-hectare plots, the aircraft was maneuvering to approach the field when its left wing struck a tree. The impact caused the aircraft to yaw about its vertical axis, leading to loss of control and a subsequent impact with the ground. The aircraft was found destroyed in a cassava field at coordinates N 04° 07′ 37.99″ W 073° 04′ 35.74″. ## Casualties and response The sole person on board, the pilot, was assisted by local residents and died shortly after from injuries sustained in the accident. Ground personnel became concerned after the aircraft had not returned within the expected 15-minute operation time; approximately 30 minutes after takeoff, the company activated its emergency response plan and dispatched another aircraft to search the area, which located the wreckage.

Probable cause

Collision of the aircraft with a natural obstacle (tree), which substantially changed the flight path and fractured the wing structure, causing loss of control in flight and subsequent impact with the ground.

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