Synopsis
On August 2, 2025, a Cessna A188B, registration HK1635, was conducting agricultural spraying operations from Soceagro Aerodrome (ICAO: SKOS) in Villanueva, Casanare, Colombia. The aircraft was used for three planned flights on that day. The accident occurred during the final flight at approximately 10:26 local time (15:26 UTC) in the municipality of Cabuyaro, Meta, near Guayabal de Upía. The flight was operated under visual flight rules (VFR) and visual meteorological conditions (VMC).
Flight History
The aircraft had completed two previous spraying flights without any reported anomalies. For the third flight, it was loaded with 40 gallons of fuel and 120 gallons of chemical product. The pilot, the sole occupant, took off at 10:20 local time to perform the last spraying itinerary. After flying about 5.5 nautical miles to a plot named "Las 22," the pilot conducted three spraying passes. During the climb following a fourth pass, the pilot heard two detonations, observed smoke in the cockpit, and noted a total loss of oil pressure on the engine instruments.
Emergency Landing
Facing an imminent engine failure, the pilot executed a right turn and selected an unprepared field for an emergency landing. The aircraft came to rest at coordinates 4°23'29.32" N / 72°49'15.82" O, heading 163°, causing damage to a rice crop. The pilot evacuated the aircraft without assistance and was uninjured. No post-impact fire occurred. The accident took place in daylight under VMC.
Aircraft Damage
A visual inspection revealed substantial damage to the aircraft. The left and right landing gear assemblies separated completely, including the tires. The propeller spinner detached and one blade was bent. The engine sustained a rupture of the crankcase between cylinders 3–5 and 4, along with dents to the oil sump and detachment of the engine air intake cowling. Both wings showed dents at the root areas near the trailing edge, and the right wing also had a dent at the leading edge tip. The right wing lift strut exhibited a displacement mark. General abrasions and paint damage were present on the lower surfaces of both wings. The fuselage had dents on the lower engine cowling and underside. The pitot tube on the left wing was bent. The spray system detached from the left wing, while the right wing spray system supports were bent but remained attached.
Investigation Status
The Technical Directorate of Accident Investigation (DIACC) was notified the day after the event and assigned an investigator. Field inspection took place on August 4, 2025, with assistance from the operator, maintenance personnel, and the pilot. The impact dynamics indicated a low-angle, low-speed touchdown. Following ICAO Annex 13 and Colombian regulations, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was notified as the state of design and manufacture; they designated an accredited representative. Pending tasks include document review, post-accident engine inspection, failure analysis, manufacturer consultation, interviews, GPS record verification, and final report drafting.