Flight History
The aircraft, a Piper 25-260 registered HK1405, was scheduled for an agricultural spraying mission at Finca El Zorro, a rural area near Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia. The pilot arrived at the main base at approximately 06:25 local time (HL), performed a preflight inspection, and reviewed the necessary documentation, including weather conditions.
The first flight departed at 07:35 HL but returned to base at 07:55 HL due to adverse meteorological conditions. A second flight began at 09:55 HL but landed two minutes later for the same reason. The third flight departed at 10:55 HL. The aircraft was expected to return within 15 to 20 minutes. When it did not, the company attempted to contact the pilot by phone without success. A client then reported that the aircraft had crashed in the area.
Emergency services, including Aeronautical Firefighters, Civil Defense, and National Police, initiated a search. At approximately 16:20 HL, a Colombian Air Force helicopter located the wreckage. The aircraft had impacted against a canyon wall adjacent to the spraying zone, at coordinates N04°20'51.54" – W75°09'84.6", on Finca El Zorro.
Injuries and Damage
The aircraft was destroyed. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was found deceased.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper 25-260 (serial and other details not specified in the source). The engine was inspected after the accident and a detailed report was produced. Weight and balance calculations were performed.
Meteorological Information
Surface observations and satellite imagery were obtained for the accident area. A METAR report from the nearest aerodrome (SKIB) was available. The pilot had noted adverse weather conditions, leading to the return of the first two flights. The investigation considered the possibility of inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), including fog.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft struck the wall of a canyon. An examination of the wreckage was conducted, including a functional test of the powerplant. No pre-impact anomalies were identified that could explain the collision.
Medical and Pathological Information
A medical and pathological examination was performed. While the pilot was considered psychophysically fit, his medical history included medication for diabetes. The investigation considered the possibility of sudden in-flight incapacitation due to this condition as a hypothesis.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined the probable cause as a collision with terrain, apparently inadvertently by the pilot, resulting in destruction of the aircraft and fatal injuries. Two hypotheses were proposed, neither of which could be confirmed: controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) due to inadvertent entry into IMC (fog) and spatial disorientation, or sudden pilot incapacitation leading to loss of control.