Accident Overview
On February 15, 2023, at 07:50 local time, two Air Tractor aircraft, registration HK4077 (model AT-401) and HK5177 (model AT-301), operated by the same company, were performing aerial fumigation in fields south of Ciénaga, Magdalena, Colombia. Both aircraft were returning from their third spraying flight to land at La Lucha airstrip (SKGM).
Collision Sequence
As HK4077 was on final approach to runway 32, HK5177, also preparing to land, impacted the vertical stabilizer of HK4077. The collision caused damage to the left wingtip of HK5177 and detachment of a portion of HK4077's vertical stabilizer.
Post-Collision Actions
After the collision, HK5177 proceeded to join the final approach and landed without further incident. HK4077's pilot performed two low passes over the runway to assess the aircraft's handling and receive visual confirmation of damage from ground personnel. Informed that part of the vertical stabilizer was missing, the pilot completed a normal landing.
Damage and Injuries
Both aircraft sustained substantial damage. No injuries were reported among the two pilots.
Weather Conditions
Weather was optimal, though visibility was reduced to approximately 5000 meters due to smoke from nearby agricultural burns; this did not impede visual operations.
Communications and Procedures
The investigation found that the pilots did not follow the radio and air traffic procedures established by the operator in its operations manual, and communications between the crews were deficient. Operations took place in uncontrolled airspace.