Synopsis
On 11 April 2024, at approximately 06:32 local time, a Cessna A188B aircraft, registration HK2065, crashed during an agricultural spraying flight near Aeródromo La Amalia in Zona Bananera, Magdalena, Colombia. The aircraft was conducting the second of three planned spray flights. The pilot was the sole occupant and sustained minor injuries.
Flight History
The aircraft first departed La Amalia at 05:50 local time for a spraying mission at Finca Santa María, located 3 NM west of the aerodrome. It returned at approximately 06:15. After landing, the aircraft was refueled with 32 gallons of fuel and loaded with 180 gallons of product for the second flight.
Accident Sequence
At approximately 06:25, the aircraft taxied to the threshold of runway 16 at La Amalia. The pilot executed a high-performance takeoff, maintaining 2850 RPM and flaps at 10°. Rotation was performed at 127 km/h according to GPS data. During the initial climb, the pilot reported a sudden power loss accompanied by vibration and a subsequent loss of altitude. The aircraft first struck a tree, then its left main landing gear contacted a cable (templete), causing a pivot effect and loss of control. The aircraft then impacted the ground, sustaining substantial damage, and a post-impact fire occurred. The pilot exited the aircraft unaided.
Aircraft and Injuries
The Cessna A188B (serial number not specified) was equipped with a single engine and propeller. Post-accident inspections of the engine, propeller, and governor were conducted but did not determine the reason for the power loss. The pilot sustained contusions and small lacerations to his left leg. The aircraft was substantially damaged and destroyed by fire.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the accident was caused by a collision with a tree following a deterioration of aircraft performance. This deterioration was likely due to a possible engine power loss for reasons that could not be determined, and a possible loss of lift due to probable inadequate pilot technique in executing a high-performance takeoff. Contributing factors included the absence of risk analysis and clear standards by the operator for takeoffs on a runway with limitations, high weight, and obstacles, as well as a lack of crew training for high-performance takeoffs in restrictive conditions.
Probable Cause
The probable cause is a collision with a tree as a result of performance degradation, likely due to a possible power loss for undetermined reasons and a possible loss of lift from probable inadequate pilot technique during a high-performance takeoff.