Flight Sequence
On June 30, 2025, at approximately 05:55 local time (11:00 UTC), an AT-301 agricultural aircraft, registration HK4198, departed from La Lucha Aerodrome (ICAO: SKGM) in the Zona Bananera region of Magdalena, Colombia. The flight was conducting aerial spraying operations. The pilot had completed a pre-flight inspection at 05:30 and found the aircraft in perfect operating condition. The aircraft was loaded with 220 gallons of spray product and 60 gallons of fuel. Taxi and engine run-up tests were performed without abnormality.
Approximately 15 seconds after takeoff, while climbing, the pilot heard a loud noise from the engine accompanied by a loss of power. Due to the low altitude, the pilot could not make an emergency radio call.
Emergency Response
The pilot immediately initiated emergency procedures, which included ejecting the spray product, moving the manifold lever aft, pulling the fuel mixture aft, switching off the magnetos, and turning off the battery and alternator. During the descent, the pilot maneuvered to avoid obstacles but observed power lines ahead with no possibility of evasion. The aircraft impacted a banana plantation at approximately 06:00 local time. The pilot evacuated the aircraft without injuries and moved away from the impact site. The pilot then made a telephone call to the maintenance team of Fumigaray to report the event.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage. Inspection revealed a dented left wing tip and leading edge, damaged flaps, a damaged left aileron, a separated wing tip, damaged landing gear, a damaged engine, and a propeller with one bent blade. On July 2, 2025, two days after the accident, the Dirección Técnica de Investigación de Accidentes (DIACC) released the aircraft for transport to the operator's facilities for further analysis, including detailed inspection of the engine and propeller, which were placed in custody.
Investigation Status
The investigation is ongoing. As of the latest update on July 25, 2025, pending tasks include gathering the pilot's operational information, evaluating damage to the aircraft, conducting human factors analysis with a medical specialist, obtaining maintenance history and background of the aircraft, performing detailed inspection of the engine and propeller, and analyzing the organizational factors of the operator.