Engine power loss leads to forced landing and aircraft fire in Colombia

Casualties unknown • Ciénaga, CO

An Air Tractor AT-301 experienced engine power loss during an agricultural spraying mission, resulting in a controlled emergency landing and subsequent aircraft destruction by fire.

What happened

On April 13, 2021, an Air Tractor AT-301, registration HK5162, was performing agricultural spraying operations over a banana plantation in Ciénaga, Magdalena, Colombia. After successfully completing two initial flights, the aircraft was on its third mission when the pilot noticed a significant loss of engine power and airspeed while approaching the target area.

In an attempt to maintain engine performance, the pilot activated the fuel pump, but the engine failed to respond. The pilot declared a MAYDAY emergency and executed a controlled emergency landing in a field in the Vereduna Pedrera. During the landing maneuver, the aircraft struck several trees and, due to the irregular terrain, underwent a dynamic roll that left the aircraft in an inverted position.

The pilot successfully evacuated the aircraft on foot. Shortly after the impact, a post-crash fire broke out due to fuel spilling from the tanks and contacting hot engine components. The fire resulted in two explosions and the total destruction of the aircraft. The pilot was uninjured.

The investigation

Investigators examined the engine, a Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN-1, at an authorized workshop. While the internal components of the engine and propeller showed no signs of prior failure or structural damage, the investigation focused on the fuel delivery system.

Several hypotheses were evaluated to explain the power loss, including fuel exhaustion, fuel contamination, magneto failure, and fuel line leaks. While the aircraft's maintenance records showed the aircraft was airworthy and compliant with all directives, investigators noted that the mechanical fuel pump was nearing its service limit, with only 187 hours of remaining life before its required overhaul.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the engine power loss was a likely failure of the mechanical fuel pump due to gear wear, which restricted the fuel flow required by the system, thereby reducing fuel pressure and delivery to the engine.
  • The operator lacked specific inspection procedures and technical documentation to track the actual useful life of critical components.
  • The operator's maintenance manual lacked a specific procedure to limit or define the operational life of fuel pumps.
  • The post-crash fire was caused by the interaction of spilled fuel with hot engine parts.

Probable cause

The engine power loss was likely caused by a mechanical failure of the fuel pump, where worn gears restricted the necessary fuel flow and pressure to the engine.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-04-13 AT-301 accident near Ciénaga, CO?

An Air Tractor AT-301 experienced engine power loss during an agricultural spraying mission, resulting in a controlled emergency landing and subsequent aircraft destruction by fire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-04-13 involved a AT-301, registration HK5162, at Ciénaga, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine power loss was likely caused by a mechanical failure of the fuel pump, where worn gears restricted the necessary fuel flow and pressure to the engine.

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