Synopsis
On 30 August 2024, a Piper PA25-235, registration HK1290, operating an agricultural spraying flight, collided with a medium-tension power line over a rice field in the municipality of Campoalegre, Huila, Colombia. The sole occupant, the pilot, was uninjured and evacuated the aircraft without assistance. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Flight History
The aircraft, based at El Juncal airstrip (SQJN), was scheduled to spray seven rice lots. After completing the first spraying from SQJN, it moved to El Viso airstrip (SKVI) for three additional lots, then to El Limonar airstrip (SQAG) for two final lots. From SQAG, the pilot took off at approximately 08:25 HL and flew 3 NM north to the lot named "La Palma," a 23-hectare field divided into three sub-lots of 4.5, 15.5, and 2.9 hectares. The operation required three flights with 110 gallons of chemical and 22 gallons of fuel each.
Accident Sequence
The pilot conducted passes using a 90/270 spraying pattern, completing two passes on each side of the sub-lots. While beginning the third pass on the 4.5-hectare sub-lot (No. 1), heading north, the aircraft struck a low-voltage power line that crossed the southern part of the lot perpendicularly (west-east-west). The collision caused a loss of speed; the pilot attempted to regain control, but the aircraft made a semi-controlled ground impact, followed by a dynamic rollover that left it inverted. The final resting heading was 237°. The power line, identified as medium tension (13,800 V, two phases and one ground, No. 2 gauge wire), was at a height of 5.5 meters. The impact point was 112 meters from the final position, on a heading of 358°.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a single-engine Piper PA25-235 (serial number 25-4110), was equipped with a Lycoming O-540-G1A5 engine and a Hartzell HC-C2YK-1BF propeller. Inspection at the accident site revealed no pre-impact engine failure; the propeller showed signs of sudden stoppage with energy. The left main landing gear exhibited transfer marks consistent with cable contact. The pilot, aged 62, held a Commercial Pilot license with single-engine land, instrument, and agricultural ratings. His total flight time was 11,092 hours, with 1,916 hours on type. His last proficiency check was on 30 May 2024. The pilot reported that during the approach, he was momentarily blinded by sunlight, which hindered his ability to see the power line. He stated that he leveled the aircraft and began the descent, at which point the aircraft contacted the wires. The pilot was familiar with the lot and its obstacles; however, the operator had not conducted a hazard identification for that lot, and there was no record of the pilot completing the FRAT risk assessment form for sun glare.
Meteorological Conditions
The accident occurred during daylight hours under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Surface wind at the nearest airport (Benito Salas, SKNV, 17 NM north) was from 170° at 6 knots. At the time of the accident (08:40 HL), the sun's azimuth was 80.9° and elevation 39.5°, which aligned with the aircraft's turning path toward the lot, potentially contributing to glare.
Damage
Aircraft damage was substantial, including structural deformation to both wings, the frontal section, and the upper cabin area. Approximately 150 square meters of rice crop were affected.
Investigation
The investigation was conducted by the Dirección Técnica de Investigación de Accidentes (DIACC) of Colombia. In accordance with ICAO Annex 13, Argentina (as the state of design) was notified and assigned an Accredited Representative.
No probable cause was stated in the report.