What happened
On February 1, 2024, at approximately 07:15 local time, a Piper PA-36-375, registration HK2209, was performing agricultural spraying operations near Orihueca, Magdalena, Colombia. After successfully completing one mission, the pilot prepared for a second flight, loading the aircraft with 220 gallons of chemical agent and 50 gallons of fuel.
During the takeoff roll from the Orihueca airfield, the aircraft initially benefited from ground effect, allowing it to lift off the runway. However, as the aircraft climbed, it was unable to maintain sufficient airspeed or an adequate rate of climb. The pilot observed the nose pitching downward due to the inability to sustain flight. Realizing the aircraft could not gain altitude, the pilot initiated an emergency landing procedure by extending the flight path along the runway heading and reducing power to minimize impact speed.
The aircraft subsequently struck a tree, causing a loss of control. The aircraft continued to slide for approximately 15 meters before colliding with a banana plantation, coming to rest roughly five meters from a residential structure. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a destroyed nose section, fractured wings, and damaged stabilizers. The pilot was uninjured and was transported to a medical center in Santa an Marta for evaluation.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation focused on the aircraft's performance capabilities and the operational parameters during the second flight. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed the engine and propeller were up to date. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's weight and balance, as well as the pilot's flight experience and training.
Technical analysis of the flight path via GPS data confirmed that the aircraft did not exceed an altitude of 15 feet during the incident. The investigation also evaluated the environmental conditions, noting that the weather was stable with visual flight rules (VFR) conditions and no significant meteorological impediments to the takeoff.
Findings
- The primary cause of the emergency landing was that the aircraft was operated with a weight exceeding the maximum allowable takeoff weight for the existing environmental conditions.
- The loss of lift and subsequent nose-down pitch occurred as the aircraft transitioned out of ground effect, as the heavy load prevented the aircraft from reaching the necessary climb speed and angle.
- The pilot demonstrated a lack of understanding regarding the aircraft's performance limitations, specifically how weight, temperature, and aerodynamic principles affect takeoff capabilities.
- There was an absence of an effective operational safety program to ensure proper weight and balance verification for each individual flight dispatch.