Synopsis
On July 11, 2023, at approximately 09:55 local time (14:55 UTC), a Piper PA-25-260 agricultural aircraft, registration HK370, operated by an unnamed company, sustained substantial damage during an emergency landing in an unprepared field at Finca Flor Amarillo, near Villanueva, Casanare, Colombia. The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured.
Flight History
The aircraft departed from Santa Clara airstrip at 09:48 local time for a spraying mission over an 18-hectare rice field. On the first pass, the pilot noticed reduced aircraft performance and engine vibration. He immediately released the chemical load and gained some altitude. After checking instruments and finding no anomalies, he began the engine failure checklist. The aircraft then lost power. The pilot spotted a field and attempted an emergency landing. While preparing to touch down, the aircraft struck a fence, causing it to overturn and come to rest inverted in muddy terrain at coordinates N 04°31'34.03'' – W 072°46'10.02'', at an elevation of 795 ft. The pilot released his seatbelt and evacuated without assistance. He was assisted by local residents and a police unit, who transported him to a medical center for routine checks.
The accident occurred in daylight visual meteorological conditions (VMC).
Aircraft and Pilot Information
- Aircraft: Piper PA-25-260, manufactured by Piper, registration HK370. The aircraft was configured for agricultural spraying.
- Pilot: 28-year-old male, held a Commercial Pilot License (PCA) with a valid medical certificate. He had logged 355:47 total flight hours, with 150 hours on the Piper 25. His last proficiency check on the aircraft was on February 14, 2023.
Injuries and Damage
| Injuries | Crew | Passengers | Total | Others | |----------|------|------------|-------|--------| | Fatal | - | - | - | - | | Serious | - | - | - | - | | Minor | - | - | - | - | | None | 1 | 0 | 1 | - |
- Aircraft damage: Substantial damage to the structure (wings, empennage, cabin).
- Other damage: Minor environmental contamination from the spraying chemical.
Engine and Fuel System Findings
Post-accident inspection revealed deformation of the spring of the carburetor discharge check valve (spring pump discharge check valve). This led to a failure of the engine's fuel injection system. Additionally, Service Bulletin SB-8, issued by the engine manufacturer on December 13, 2010, which mandates inspection of that spring to prevent malfunction, had not been complied with.
Operational Aspects
The operator did not hold a valid airworthiness certificate for HK370 at the time of the flight, as the certificate was pending due to a change of ownership. This was identified as a contributing factor.
Probable Cause
The Dirección Técnica de Investigación de Accidentes (DIACC) determined the following probable cause:
- Collision of the aircraft with a fence during an attempted emergency landing on an unprepared field, due to engine power loss.
- Failure of the engine's fuel injection system, as a consequence of the deformation of the spring of the carburetor discharge check valve (spring pump discharge check valve).
- Non-compliance with Service Bulletin SB-8 of December 13, 2010, issued by the engine manufacturer, which requires inspection of the carburetor discharge check valve spring to prevent malfunction.
Contributing Factor
The operator's non-compliance with a basic operational requirement: the aircraft was conducting the spraying flight without a valid airworthiness certificate, which was not available because the change of aircraft ownership was in process.