Engine failure during agricultural spraying leads to forced landing in Colombia

Casualties unknown • Zona Bananera, CO

An Air Tractor AT301 experienced an engine shutdown during a spraying mission in Magdalena, resulting in a forced landing in a banana plantation.

What happened

On July 20, 2023, at approximately 07:00 local time, an Air Tractor AT301, registration HK4968, was performing agricultural spraying operations in the Zona Bananera region of Magdalena, Colombia. The aircraft, operated by FUMIGARAY S.A.S., was flying at approximately 400 feet above the ground while climbing to 600 feet when the pilot noticed a fuel low light and a drop in fuel pressure.

In an attempt to rectify the issue, the pilot manually operated the mechanical fuel pump; however, the engine lost power and subsequently shut down. The pilot executed emergency procedures, including cutting the magnetos, and performed a forced landing on unprepared terrain within a banana plantation at the Vega Caballero farm. The aircraft slid approximately 100 meters through the crops before coming to a stop after striking a perimeter fence. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, evacuated the aircraft uninjured.

The investigation

The GRIAA investigation examined the aircraft's fuel system, the pilot's operational procedures, and the maintenance history of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was in compliance with all airworthiness and maintenance requirements, with the most recent service performed in March 2023. The pilot held a valid commercial license and was experienced with the aircraft type.

Technical analysis of the fuel system—which operates via gravity from the wing tanks to a central collector—showed no mechanical failures in the fuel pump or the aircraft's components. A functional test of the fuel pump conducted at an authorized workshop yielded satisfactory results. The investigation also reviewed the meteorological conditions, which were found to be stable VMC (Visual Meteorological Conditions) and not a contributing factor.

Findings

  • The engine shutdown was caused by a lack of fuel delivery to the engine.
  • The fuel pump likely experienced cavitation or air ingestion, causing the engine to lose power.
  • The pilot failed to properly identify the hazards and manage the fuel situation while attempting to operate the manual fuel pump.
  • The operator lacked a formal fuel management system or specific protocols for pilots to manage fuel-related engine issues.

Probable cause

The engine shutdown was caused by fuel starvation, likely resulting from fuel pump cavitation or air ingestion, compounded by the pilot's incorrect management of the fuel system during the emergency.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-07-20 AT-301 accident near Zona Bananera, CO?

An Air Tractor AT301 experienced an engine shutdown during a spraying mission in Magdalena, resulting in a forced landing in a banana plantation.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-07-20 involved a AT-301, registration HK4968, at Zona Bananera, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine shutdown was caused by fuel starvation, likely resulting from fuel pump cavitation or air ingestion, compounded by the pilot's incorrect management of the fuel system during the emergency.

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