What happened
On August 2, 2025, a Cessna A188B, registration HK1635, was conducting agricultural spraying operations near the Soceagro aerodrome in Villanueva, Casanare. The aircraft was performing its third scheduled flight of the day, carrying 40 gallons of fuel and 120 gallons of chemical product, under visual flight rules (VFR) and visual meteorological conditions (VMC).
While performing a climb following the fourth spraying pass over a field known as "Las 22" in Cabuyaro, Meta, the pilot experienced two consecutive detonations. This was immediately followed by smoke entering the cockpit and a total loss of engine oil pressure. Faced with an imminent engine failure, the pilot executed a right turn and selected an unprepared field for an emergency landing.
The aircraft came to rest in a rice crop at approximately 10:26 HLC. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, evacuated the aircraft uninjured. No post-impact fire occurred.
The investigation
Investigators from the DIACC arrived at the scene on August 4, 20 landing, and conducted a field inspection of the impact site. The investigation established that the aircraft struck the terrain at a low angle and low velocity.
Physical examination of the Cessna A188B revealed substantial damage, including the complete detachment of the landing gear and tires. The engine sustained significant damage, specifically a rupture of the crankcase between cylinders 3, 4, and 5, along with dents to the oil sump and the detachment of the engine air intake cowling. The propeller also showed a bent blade and a detached spinner. Additional damage was noted on the wings, including dents to the leading edges and trailing edges, as well as the detachment of the spraying system from the left wing.
Findings
- The primary cause of the emergency landing was a sudden engine power loss characterized by engine detonations and a total loss of oil pressure.
- The engine sustained a critical failure involving the rupture of the crankcase between multiple cylinders.