What happened
On August 10, 2023, a Cessna A188B, registration HK1729, was conducting agricultural spraying operations over soybean crops near Puerto Gaitán, Meta, Colombia. After successfully completing four spray sorties, the pilot commenced a fifth flight, carrying 150 gallons of insecticide and 36 gallons of fuel.
While climbing at approximately 100 feet above the ground with an indicated airspeed of 85 knots, the pilot initiated a right-hand turn to avoid obstacles. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a significant loss of airspeed, dropping to approximately 70 knots. Despite the pilot's attempt to apply full power, the aircraft continued to lose altitude and speed.
Recognizing the impending loss of control, the pilot executed an emergency landing within a soybean field. During the impact, the aircraft's main landing gear became entangled with the crop, causing a sudden deceleration and a pitch-over motion that left the fuselage in a vertical position. The pilot evacuated the aircraft uninjured, though a fuel leak was noted near the wing following the impact.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the DIACC focused on the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft during the climb and the pilot's decision-making process. Investigators examined the aircraft's weight and balance, noting that the plane was operating at its maximum operating weight.
Technical analysis of the flight path via GPS data revealed that the aircraft failed to climb above 50 feet during the fifth sortie. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed the Cessna A188B was fully airworthy and had undergone a 200-hour service inspection shortly before the event. The investigation also evaluated the pilot's emergency procedures, specifically regarding the management of the chemical payload during a loss-of-control event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was an emergency landing in an unprepared field resulting from a loss of lift and airspeed caused by an improper maneuver (excessive bank angle) during an initial climb while at maximum operating weight.
- The pilot failed to implement an emergency procedure to jettison the chemical payload, which could have reduced the aircraft's weight and assisted in recovering airspeed and altitude.
- The pilot demonstrated a lack of understanding regarding the aircraft's performance limitations, specifically how high weight, temperature, and aggressive maneuvering affect aerodynamic stability and stall speeds.