What happened
On April 15, 2023, at approximately 08:24 local time, an ALS AA-007 performing agricultural spraying operations collided with an electrical cable near the La Holanda farm in Cartago, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. The aircraft was engaged in a mission to spray 125 hectares of sugarcane crops.
Prior to the flight, the pilot had conducted a reconnaissance of the area and, following a briefing with the operator's operations chief, had specifically identified the presence of an electrical cable as an obstacle. During the second flight of the day, the pilot was required to hold position near the runway 19 centerline of the Santa Ana Airport (SKGO) due to local air traffic.
Upon receiving clearance from Air Traffic Control to proceed with the final spraying pass, the pilot executed a steep left turn and descent to approach the field. During this maneuver, the aircraft's nose struck the electrical cable. The impact caused the cable to break and become entangled in the left aileron and wing, leading to a total loss of lateral control. The aircraft subsequently plummeted into a flat field adjacent to the target crop.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the DIACC focused on human factors and situational awareness. Investigators confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy, properly maintained, and operating within weight and balance limits. The engine and propeller were found to be functioning correctly prior to the impact with the terrain.
Evidence showed that the pilot was fully qualified and medically fit for the mission. The investigation also established that the operator had performed a risk analysis and had explicitly informed the pilot of the obstacle's location. The investigation noted that the delay caused by traffic at the nearby airport may have influenced the pilot's focus during the final approach.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the collision with a known electrical cable during the approach for spraying, which resulted in the loss of control and subsequent impact with the ground.
- The pilot experienced a loss of situational awareness and focused too heavily on the spraying maneuver itself.
- Contributing factors included overconfidence and a lack of precaution regarding a previously identified hazard.
- The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to exit the aircraft on his own.
Safety action
- The operator was advised to strengthen training and standardization programs for crews, specifically emphasizing techniques to avoid obstacle strikes and strategies to maintain constant situational awareness during agricultural operations.