What happened
On October 3, 2024, at approximately 09:30 local time, a Piper PA-25-260, registration HK-531, was conducting aerial spraying operations near Nunchía, Casanare. The aircraft was performing its eighth scheduled flight of the day, operating out of Palmarosa Aerodrome, as part of an agricultural mission over rice crops.
During the final flight assignment, as the aircraft was exiting a field, the landing gear struck a mound of earth located at the edge of the cultivation area. The impact caused the aircraft to suffer substantial damage and resulted in the plane coming to rest in an inverted position. The pilot, who sustained minor injuries, managed to exit the cockpit after using an axe to break the plexig landing windows. Following the impact, the pilot shut down the engine and power systems before being assisted by company personnel and transported to a medical clinic.
The investigation
The Colombian investigation authority (DIACC) conducted a field inspection of the site, which consisted of flat rice fields. Investigators identified impact marks on the ground corresponding to the main landing gear striking the earth mound.
Technical inspections of the Piper PA-25-260 revealed extensive structural damage. The right wing showed significant damage to the leading edge, wingtip, and internal structure, along with dented flaps. The left wing also exhibited structural damage at the wing root and connection points. The fuselage sustained broken tubular sections in the cockpit and the main landing gear assembly, and the cockpit windows were shattered.
Further examination of the aircraft components showed that the main landing gear had detached from the airframe, and the tail skid was damaged. The agricultural spraying equipment, including the pump and hopper tank, was fractured or detached. The propeller, a fixed-pitch model, showed a bent blade. Notably, investigators found that a terrestrial vehicle battery had been used to power the aircraft's electrical system.
Findings
- The aircraft's landing gear struck a mound of earth located at the boundary of the sprayed field.
- The impact resulted in the aircraft overturning and sustaining substantial structural damage.
- The pilot sustained minor injuries but was able to self-evacuate.
- The aircraft was being used for specialized agricultural spraying operations.